It should reduce the costs of sickness absence, both from physical illnesses and depression. I. Raising awareness Everyone in the company can be made aware of the importance of recognising and helping colleagues who may be suffering from depression. This should include every level of the workforce, from the shop floor to senior management. Common ways of doing this include posters, leaflets, or even giving information about depression in appraisal interviews. Everyone needs to understand that positive action can result in great benefits to individuals and the company as a whole.
Employees can benefit from knowing about mental health and learning how to reduce stress.
Time management techniques, assertiveness training, and the use of 'team-building' exercises can protect employees from depression and other conditions. The workforce and management should have information about the early recognition of depression, and the circumstances in which people are most likely to become depressed. It is particularly important to emphasise that depression is unlikely to permanently affect a person's ability to work. This area of a mental health policy should also include discussion of pre-retirement planning, preparing people for life after they eventually leave work. The way in which a business is organised and operates can have an effect on the mental health of its workforce.