Depression in the workplace kills business
SANDTON - The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) shared their new South African research findings on depression in the workplace.
Guests were invited to the Quatermain Hotel to listen to experts share their discoveries on how the South African workplace views depression and to also discuss whether the working environment was ready to deal with depression as a legitimate disability.
Dr Tienie Stander, one of the speakers at the event, said the new research proved that 32 percent of people with depression do not disclose their diagnosis in fear of discrimination and the stigma that comes with it. “In the workplace, managers generally struggle to deal with people who suffer from depression,” added Stander.
Another speaker, Dr Frans Korb, said it was important for people to know that depression was a chronic disease. He said depression affects productivity in the workplace. “Depression can hit anybody,” he explained. “Depression does not discriminate and it is not a once-off thing.”
Naazia Ismail from Sadag said the organisation provides various services such as support groups, help lines, newsletters, conferences, online videos and more. “We can’t deny that mental illness and depression does impact how employees function in the workplace.
Five ways businesses can help with depression at the workplace include:
- Educate employees on depression
- Raise awareness of any existing employee assistance programmes
- Promote a culture of acceptance around depression and other mental disorders
- Reassure employees who disclose their struggles with depression or mental illness that they can be treated
- Explore creative ways to support employees’ recovery
Details: www.sadag.org
What more can the workplace environment can do to accommodate employees suffering from depression? Share your thoughts on the Sandton Chronicle Facebook page.
