Depression among staff of small firms

Small business employers need to raise their awareness on signs of depression, according to one expert.

Research conducted by Turning Point found that 75% of people in the UK suffer from depression at some point.

However, according to Andy Bell, deputy chief executive of the Centre for Mental Health, awareness of what depression actually constitutes is very low, meaning small business employers are likely to have problems if a staff member is suffering.

Despite three quarters of people experiencing depression occasionally or regularly, only one third will seek help. This raises concern that employers need to be on guard. It is vital that small firms look out for any signs of depression and attempt to tackle it right away.

Most admitted they do not know what to do in a situation where a member of staff may ask for help with or admit depression. However, it may be extremely beneficial to look into this illness as it has been reported that one person in six will suffer from depression or anxiety this year.

Andy Bell said:

“Many employers say they have never had anyone in their workplace with depression or it is seen as quite rare, when in fact it is a normal part of life.”

“There is a general lack of awareness of how common it is, and therefore many of the more simple things you can do to address depression in the workplace.”