Depression has gained a serious presence in today’s workplace, finds a new survey from Ipsos Reid, funded by the Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace.
Almost a quarter (22%) of Canadian employees are currently suffering from depression and 16% report having experienced depression in the past. But, with the right tools, these employees can be just as effective.
Manager training
Eighty-four percent of managers and supervisors believe it is part of their job to intervene when an employee is showing signs of depression with 31% indicating they have received training to on how to intervene and support employee.
“The really good news is that more managers have received training in how to intervene. In 2007, only one in five had received any training on how to intervene with emotionally distressed employee,” says Mary Ann Baynton, program director for the Centre. “This speaks to increased awareness and availability of resources.”
However, she says, “We’re not there yet.” The survey found that 63% of managers would like better training. “They are asking for more support and flexibility from upper-level management and Human Resources. Employers may feel they don’t have the resources to respond, and this is where free online training like Managing Mental Health Matters can help,” she says.