6 tips on spotting the signs of depression

Research reveals that almost three in every ten employees will have a mental health problem in any one year.

Mental health problems in the workplace can be very disruptive. As well as affecting people’s personal lives, wellbeing and morale, it also has an impact on their performance at work and is a costly burden for businesses. A recent study found that people suffering from depression took an average
of 30 days off for each spell of sickness absence.

Spotting and doing something about troubled employees is an important business skill. Bosses must look out for early indicators before they develop
into something more serious, like stress or depression. Healthy and content workers translate directly into productive employees.

1. Keep your eyes open … The first sign that someone may have a mental health problem is often changes in their day-to-day behaviour. This could be being unable to cope with their work, seeming distracted, a sudden loss in motivation, or absenteeism.

2. … but don’t make assumptions We all have our ups and downs, so a change in behaviour doesn’t necessarily mean that there is a problem. If you do notice inconsistent behaviour, try to establish whether it’s just a blip or perhaps the sign of a more serious problem.

3. Get to the root of the problem It’s rare for someone to voluntarily talk about a mental health problem. Approaching a colleague who you feel may have an issue is not easy. Try to catch them privately, and informally ask if they are feeling ok.

4. How can you help? Depression can be caused by a work or a personal issue. Act accordingly when you establish the cause of the problem. If it’s work related, you have the responsibility and control to help remedy it. If it’s a domestic issue, talk to the individual about the changes you can implement to make things easier, such as flexible working.

5. Create a culture Your long-term aim should be to create a working environment which eradicates the stigma mental health can carry. Introducing policies will help, so staff are comfortable in the knowledge
that they are able to talk about the topic. You can also introduce employment assistance programmes or occupational health schemes.

6. Walk the talk A policy will only work if put into practice. Work with HR to train management and staff to handle things sensitively. Evidence also suggests that exercise, a balanced diet and a healthy work pattern can help treat mild depression, so ask the company to provide advice and encouragement on these for the entire workforce.

Acas has produced a free guide on health, work and wellbeing available at www.acas.org.uk.

References

1. Mental Health, the Last Workplace Taboo, June 2006, commissioned by The Shaw Trust and conducted by future foundation.

2. New directions in managing employee absence, CIPD report, June 2007.

Gill Trevelyan is head of training and equality services at Acas, which provides information, advice, training and a range of services working with employers and employees to prevent or resolve problems and improve performance. She can be contacted via www.acas.org.uk

You can download this article free by subscribing and logging in as a Full TJ member

Price: £1.00

Related News

• Depression Awareness Week - 21-26 April 2008
• A motivated workforce marches on its stomach
• Unions call for more support for workers with mental health problems

Related Discussion Topics

• ideas for thought provoking posters
• Wellness Coaching
• Training the New No Smoking Regulations?

Latest News

• Financial employers invited to focus groups
• e-skills UK starts re-licensing process
• More needs to be done to prepare young people for work
• NSG celebrates eleventh consecutive year as a procurement centre of excellence
• Highly skilled people are vital for innovation, says government-backed report