What to Do When an Employee is Depressed

Depression is one of the most frequent mental health issues in the workplace. The majority of all employers deal with depression in the workplace in one way or another. Employers who take a proactive approach toward employee depression tend to have better outcomes. Employee depression can be the result of a number of life issues, as well as medical issues. Some bouts with depression are situational, and often temporary, while other cases of employee depression may be clinical by nature and require more attention by employers. Life stressors, major life events, relationship difficulties, work dissatisfaction, health issues, and general discontent can all be direct or indirect causes of employee depression. No two employees will experience or manage depression the same way, so employers need to be aware of both the basic facts about depression, as well as the individual impacts depression can have on their employees.

Common Signs of Employee Depression

Employees who are dealing with depression may exhibit symptoms in a variety of ways. At the workplace, common signs of depression are often seen in decreased interest in work, lower productivity, disconnected social relationships with fellow employees, increased absences, and general melancholy. Depressed employees may exhibit depression symptoms with unusual quietness or distancing from interactions with others, crying, or attitudes which reflect significant indifference. Depressed employees may also show a decline in interest in their physical appearance. All of these symptoms are common for depressed employees, though most depressed employees will exhibit a combination of depression symptoms.

Depression and Work

Depression can greatly impact an employee's work performance if left unaddressed. Employers who fail to recognize employee depression are likely to encounter further problems in the long term. One important way to avoid long term problems in the workplace is to address employee depression at the first signs of depression in the workplace. Depression can be as distressing as any physical illness, and most employees who are dealing with depression will benefit from early intervention.

How to Address Employee Depression

Employee depression can be misunderstood in the workplace. Some employers may believe that the topic of employee depression is too personal to address, while others may take a too personal approach towards employee depression. The key to addressing employee depression lies somewhere between the two extremes. Depression is personal, but unaddressed employee depression can lead to problems for both employee and employer in the workplace. Employers who already have a plan in place for employee depression will be best prepared for managing employee depression when it arises. One way to develop a plan for dealing with employee depression is to have a list of mental health resources available for employees. A positive employer attitude towards depression can eliminate the embarrassment and discomfort employees may feel when dealing with depression in the workplace.

The Role of the Employer

Employers should not become counselors to employees who are dealing with depression. Employers should address depression in terms of how it is affecting work performance and satisfaction, rather than try to counsel employees. The line between supervisor and confidante can get blurred when employers become too involved in the lives of employees, especially when an employee is depressed. Empathy for employees who are dealing with depression is critical, but empathy does not require a full disclosure regarding an employee's reason for their depression.

A Proactive Approach to Depression

Employers who include personal wellness as part of their employee training can include specific strategies for employees who may experience depression. A simple employee guide for what to do if an employee is facing depression or life challenges can be included. Clear guidelines and procedures can help both employees and employers when depression surfaces in the workplace. Some employers also offer time off for employees who can get a doctor's note to verify depression. Depression, like physical illnesses, often requires intervention and time. Employees who can view the workplace as a safe haven to deal with their depression are more likely to recover quicker.