Jeffrey Berlant, The Daily Record Newswire
It is easy to dismiss or pass over a decline in morale or productivity. However, as a business owner or team leader you are the first line of defense for your company’s workforce health and safety. We can all have an off day, but if a change in behavior develops into a pattern, it can be a sign of a bigger problem such as depression, anxiety or other types of behavioral illness.
It is helpful to know that, according to Workplace Mental Health, 30-40 percent of our workforce will experience a mental health or substance use disorder at some point in their lives. When you consider the number of people you work with or employ, it is likely someone on your team will experience a mental health crisis. Are you ready to recognize and address their needs?
Depression costs $44 billion annually. When a team member is facing mental health issues, going through a divorce or experiencing family problems, it may be hard for them to concentrate on work or have the motivation to be at work. In addition to the human factor of caring for the individual, these types of issues can cause poor concentration, illogical thinking, difficulties with decision making, absenteeism and decreased productivity. Psychology Today states that employers see $44 billion annually in lost productivity due to depression.
Know the signs. Behavioral changes or signs of depression might be as subtle as increased absenteeism, social withdrawal, increase in rate of errors, and negative change in personal appearance and hygiene. Whether the change in behavior is the result of a workplace situation or something that is happening at home, it can adversely affect quality of work, productivity and the workplace environment. If these problems go untreated they can grow into bigger issues that are more difficult to treat, therefore, early intervention is best.
Stigma busting. The stigma associated with mental illness may cause people to retreat and withdraw in an effort to hide the problem from their colleagues. Stigma busting begins with knowledge and understanding. The Partnership for Workplace Mental Health provides employers and employees online resources and a downloadable tool kit for implementation of the Right Direction program, an educational initiative that aims to decrease the stigma associated with depression.
Company sponsored resources. Employee Assistance Programs are an excellent resource that many companies offer through the human resource department. These programs aim to provide resources for resolving home and workplace issues that might adversely affect attendance, productivity and retention.
Most EAPs are activated by one quick phone call. Commonly, EAPs offer confidential short term counseling, substance use treatment referrals and resources for health living as well as other services. Each program differs and can be tailored to match the company’s needs and employer’s desire. Not only do EAPs address mental health but many also offer financial planning, legal referrals and career counseling.
Additionally, EAPs offer a host of workplace resources that can help with retention and attract quality workforce candidates. Many programs are equipped to advise employers on safety, communication and absence management. In recent years, employers have accessed EAP resources to assist them with adapting to the needs of veterans. In times of crisis, EAPs offer resources for handling layoffs and other workplace stressors.
Community resources. Community resources can also be an important component of help available to an employee who is struggling.
It is not always easy to get someone to access the resources that they need. The first step is often as simple as starting a conversation and showing interest. Be prepared to listen non-judgmentally, offer support and provide direction to the resources available to help.
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Jeffrey Berlant, MD, is medical director of Optum Idaho, a health care company that manages the outpatient benefits for the Idaho Behavioral Health Plan for Idaho Medicaid members and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.
