Depression can have a significant impact on the workplace, says Dr. Lawrence Martin, an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences with McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont.
Most notably, employees suffering from depression may still be coming to work, but they may be unable to focus and make decisions, thereby neglecting their workload. This is known as presenteeism, in which employees are physically, but not mentally, present.
Traditionally, treatment for depression has focused on reducing symptoms; however, Martin says there is increased focus on “functional improvement.” He explains that by focusing solely on symptoms, we may be ignoring whether the employee’s day-to-day abilities have improved. He or she may still be experiencing residual symptoms or suffering from fatigue as a result of the depression.
Watch the video to find out what else Martin has to say about depression in the workplace.