"Both white-collar and call center employees often work in demanding, fast-paced settings that encourage super-productivity, but these high stress levels may ultimately have the opposite effect," notes Ronald S. Leopold, MD, National Medical Director and Vice President of MetLife Disability. "Depression-related ´presenteeism´ - where employees are ´at work, but not working´ - can actually generate more lost productivity than absenteeism. Even when employees are physically at work, stress and depression can affect productivity by creating an inability to focus on the job at hand."
MetLife data also revealed that those employees between the ages of 35-44 were most likely to file psychiatric claims.
At any one time, one employee in 20 may be experiencing depression; fortunately, more than 80% of depressed people can be treated quickly and effectively (National Institute of Mental Health). Dr. Leopold points to the success of employee assistance programs (EAP) in helping employees cope with issues in their lives and improving their mental health. Typically, an EAP is a confidential counseling and referral service that assists employees and their immediate family members with behavioral health well-being and life issues. The impact of a successful EAP can be significant. Companies with EAP services have 21% lower absenteeism and 14% higher productivity according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Benefits of an EAP may include:
Offset of Other Benefits Costs - Studies show that an effective EAP can reduce disability, medical, pharmacy and workers´ compensation costs.
Increased Concentration and Productivity Levels - EAPs offer employees resources to handle day-to-day issues (especially childcare), thereby reducing absenteeism, increasing productivity and lowering temporary replacement costs.
Employee Retention/Attraction - As a key component to a benefits package, a comprehensive EAP lowers turnover and improves employee attraction, resulting in lower recruitment costs.
For more information about A Year in the Life of A Million American WorkersSM or to download a monograph from the book regarding psychiatric conditions, visit the Web site metlifeiseasier.com/disabilityalmanac.