Dealing with Workplace Stress

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that behavioral health disorders affect more than 20 percent of the nation's workforce and constitute five of the ten leading causes of disability. Untreated depression alone costs companies upwards of $50 billion per year in reduced productivity related to absenteeism and "presenteeism".

Employers can help workers by providing information about behavioral health disorders, employee assistance programs, manager training on recognizing these disorders in employees, and a work environment that is as positive and stress-free as possible.  Good mental health is good for the bottom line.

...Did you know?

• One in four people report they've missed work as a result of work-related stress.
• Workplace environments have a greater effect on employee stress levels than the number of hours employees work.
• Seventy-five percent of visits to doctors' offices concern stress-related ailments.
• Chronic stress can double a person's risk of having a heart attack.
• Stress is linked to the six leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver and suicide.
• In a typical workplace with 20 employees, four will likely develop a mental illness this year.
• Mental health conditions are the second leading cause of workplace absenteeism.
• People who have untreated mental health issues use more general health services than those who seek mental health care when they need it.
• More than three out of four employees who seek care for workplace issues or mental health problems see substantial improvement in work performance after treatment.

For more information on mental health in the workplace go to: www.workplacementalhealth.org