Sydney, Australia (PRWEB) April 1, 2008 -- A new report reveals that although the WHO predicts that depression will be the second most disabling disease in the world by 2020; recent research shows that only 9% of people living with depression feel comfortable talking about it with fellow employees.
This is despite a recent study by the University of Queensland which demonstrated that there was a 492% return on investment for a program they evaluated which identified employees with depression early, and appointed a case manager, who encouraged them to seek help, and monitored their progress.
The report entitled "Best Practice in Managing Mental Health in the Workplace" was prepared by Graeme Cowan and can be downloaded from: www.IamBackFromTheBrink.com/work
The government estimated that mental illness cost the Australian economy $13.1 billion in 2002. A January 2008 report by Sibson Consulting found that 47% of all productivity loss was due to mental health issues compared to 29% for physical health problems.
The report provides a summary of a global study by VicHealth to identify the most successful workplace stress programs from both the individual and organisation's perspective. They conclusively showed that proactive programs that address the root cause of stress problems are the most successful for both parties.
Full details of Telstra's world leading "Mental Health and Resilience Program" which began in 2003 are outlined. This program has been comprehensively planned to address the cost of absenteeism and presenteeism that occurs due to mental illness. They have encouraged employees to talk openly about mental illness and provide them and their managers with comprehensive training, resources and 24/7 support in dealing with these issues.
The report concludes that there are compelling social and commercial reasons, why employers should start asking questions and listening non judgementally. It can be downloaded from www.IamBackFromTheBrink.com/work
About Graeme Cowan:
Graeme's early career was spent in Marketing Management with Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson. He then worked in recruitment, outplacement, and change management, before working with AT Kearney Executive Search as their Joint Managing Director. Between 2000 and 2005 he went through a severe bout of depression which his psychiatrist described as the worst he had treated. In June 2007, John Brogden, the former NSW Liberal leader, launched Graeme's book "BACK FROM THE BRINK: Australians tell their story of overcoming depression" which quickly became a bestseller. He now speaks, writes, and consults on overcoming depression.
Company Name: Bird in Hand Media
Email: Email Us Here: http://www.prweb.com/emailmember.php?prid=816364
Phone: 614 414 487 072
Website: www.IamBackFromTheBrink.com