A damning new report has found that UK workers diagnosed with depression lose an average of 58 days of productivity in the workplace each year.
TELUS Health’s new Mental Health Index (MHI) report looked into the impact rising mental health issues are having on work-based productivity. It found that among those suffering from depression, the average person’s productivity dropped by almost a quarter, from 240 working days to just 178.
The statistics were almost identical for those with anxiety who experienced a 57-day drop in productivity.
This is a cause for concern for not just those struggling with their mental health but for their bosses and the wider country as a whole. With such a massive drop in productivity, this will undoubtedly be costing the country billions in GDP, annually.
Speaking to People Management, Andy Bell, chief executive of the Centre for Mental Health, said: “A mentally healthy workplace is also likely to be a productive workplace. Mental health problems are common and they can affect people’s working lives significantly.
“If people don’t feel safe to disclose distress, or their distress is a result of their working conditions, they’re less likely to get help or adjustments to their work to help them to recover. This means they suffer for longer and struggle to be as productive as before.”
TELUS Health’s Comments On Findings
After the results of the report were revealed, TELUS Health’s Global Leader said the findings highlighted that workers’ priorities are now shifting, which is offering an opportunity for employers to offer support.
Paula Allen, who’s also the Senior Vice President of Research and Total Wellbeing at the company, said: “Job retention is increasingly important in today’s uncertain economic climate and it is very telling that workers are placing equal, if not greater, importance on better wellbeing support compared to job promotions or career opportunities.
“This highlights an opportunity for employers to meet employees’ needs by providing resources and real-time support that go beyond financial considerations and job promotions to maintain morale and ultimately retain top talent.”
How companies go about doing this will need to be tackled on a case-by-case basis. However, Allen did offer some tips on how some could succeed in offering support to employees while maintaining a productive workforce.
“Organisations need to ensure employees can get to an optimum point on their own personal health scale. This means having accessible mental health support and services in place, communicating these services and providing education to address stigma,” she said.
“While managers are not expected to be mental health counsellors, they do play a role in fostering a psychologically safe workplace and providing support when needed.”
Could Therapy Help?
If you’re suffering from anxiety or depression and you’re concerned about the impact it’s having on your productivity in the workplace, this may be a real concern. After all, these are troubling times with the UK economy facing a lot of uncertainty, so nobody wants to lose their job right now.
Thankfully, there are a number of therapeutic approaches that could bring some real improvements to your life, easing your symptoms and ensuring you’re happier and more motivated at work.
Therapy can provide a lifeline for anyone facing mental health challenges. Different types of therapy, like CBT, Trauma-Focused Therapy and DBT, offer a tailored approach to help people in the workplace overcome the issues holding them back.
CBT can help change negative thought patterns, while Trauma Therapy aids in healing. DBT teaches coping skills to help an individual come to terms with the root cause of their mental health illness.
Beyond helping people problem solve, therapy fosters growth and helps to build self-awareness and resilience. A professional therapist can guide you through the choppy waters of work or home life to help you discover your strengths and navigate the hurdles of life.
By releasing the shackles that are holding you back, a well-trained therapist can help you start to feel empowered with a more positive mindset.
Therapy is by no means a quick fix or cure-all solution. Depending on the severity of your depression or anxiety, it may be a long journey. However, with time and dedication, psychotherapy can act as one of the building blocks to create a happier, healthier future.