THE UNSEEN PROFIT KILLER
I read recently that experts believe that a depressed worker loses about 6 hours productivity each week. That is a lot of time. No matter how you calculate it, the financial costs are significant. Depressed workers are the hidden profit killer for the company, the employees, and the customers. Everyone loses.
Fortunately, most progressive companies look for ways to enhance employee wellness, including conquering depression. Employee assistance programs, wellness coaches, and additional resources all help employees find help for difficult life challenges. Even among medical insurance plans, the trend is toward covering mental health more adequately than in the past.
Finally, as a professional person, you have an ethical obligation to remain alert to colleagues that may be struggling with depression. Granted, depression isn’t always easy to spot. Nevertheless, you never know when an opportune moment may occur. Perhaps someone opens up to you after a meeting, someone asks for some personal advice, or you just happen to pick up the telltale signs that something is seriously wrong.
In those moments, we must never forget how powerful our influence can be. The life you touch may be the life you save. And that outcome is profitable for everyone.
