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Depression Awareness Week - 21-26 April 2008

By Sue Mennell (22-04-2008)
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Learning and Development News - Depression Awareness Week - 21-26 April 2008

Despite the fact that 30 per cent of employees are likely to suffer some kind of mental health problem each year, research shows that bosses are likely to underestimate the level of suffering.  That’s unfortunate because recognising early on that there is a problem and finding ways to help the sufferer can have a direct positive effect on the bottom line.

With appropriate support the detrimental affects of mental ill health, such as poor wellbeing and morale, poor performance at work, and extended periods of sickness absence can be avoided. 

The CIPDE revealed that the results of its 2006, New directions in absence management survey show that stress, depression and anxiety account for over 50 per cent of mental ill health  problems and that the average time taken off sick with depression is 30 days.

Ben Wilmott, CIPD’s Employee Relations Advisor says: “It’s important for managers and HR practitioners to be aware of the signs of mental ill health so that they can take action early and provide support before the individual’s condition deteriorates to the point they go off on long-term sick leave.”
 
He added: “The provision of flexible working opportunities, access to occupational health support as well as employee assistance help-lines and counselling services can help give people with mental health conditions the advice and support to help them manage or overcome their problems. Investment in such services will pay for itself through reduced absence costs.”

To coincide with Depression Awareness Week, Acas has come up with some guidelines to help managers spot the first signs of mental health problems, including stress, anxiety and depression. Visit www.acas.org.uk

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