What is the proper role of a manager or employer when an employee has depression?
On-the-job behaviors — such as decreased or inconsistent productivity, absenteeism, decreased interest in work and increased errors — can indicate depression, but they could also be indicative of any number of other problems. As a leader, you must resist the temptation to diagnose the condition. Instead, simply recognize that something appears to be wrong, and refer the employee to an employee assistance program (EAP) professional or occupational health nurse, if those are available, or to a health care provider.
Why is depression hidden from or not recognized by many employers?
Many times, depressed employees do not seek treatment for their condition because they fear that it will have a negative impact on their job status or their reputation with their colleagues. Of course, it is also true that employees simply may not be aware that they have depression, or they may assume that their insurance would not cover such a condition.
Surveys have shown that employers are more than likely to take proper action if they are aware of the symptoms for depression. A survey by the National Mental Health Association showed that 64 percent of employers would refer such employees to an EAP health professional.
What should an employer do to most effectively deal with depression in the workplace?
Employers should review corporate medical programs and employee health benefits. They should make sure that any EAP staff members are trained to recognize depressive disorders, make appropriate referrals, and provide other assistance consistent with policies and practices. It is also important to make sure employees are aware of where and how to seek help if they are depressed and that their health plan’s network has specialists for this condition.
What kinds of programs can deal effectively with depression in the workplace?
Initiatives that include screening for depression and a depression prevention program that provides information about depression and encourages treatment can be very helpful. Look for health plan programs that integrate wellness, physical health disease management and behavioral health services. Health plans that use models that integrate data from several sources, such as disability and health care costs, are also helpful.
DR. JAMES SCHUSTER, MD, MBA, is chief medical officer at Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, UPMC Insurance Services Division. Reach him at (412) 454-2153 or [email protected].
