1 in 10 European workers was absent from work due to depression - more than 21,000 working days missed (mandated). Depression is the reason for an average of 36 working days lost per attack of this illness. Managers report the need for a change in legislation - this would include training and counselling on how to tackle the problem.
According to a new study by the European Depression Association, 1 in 10 European workers taking part went on sick leave for an average of 36 days due to depression. This equates to more than 21,000 missed working days in this group of people. However, despite the magnitude of the problem, 1 in 3 managers reported that they did not have access to any resources or opportunities for formal support in dealing with employees suffering from depression, and 43% called for better policies and legislation to protect employees.
Commenting on the survey results, Stephen Hughes, Member of Parliament, said: "Depression in the workplace is a workplace and societal problem that causes serious harm and requires attention and action by the European Union. The inclusion of workplace depression in the European Commission's Strategy for Health and Safety at Work, backed up by legislative activity over the next two years, will be an important step towards more effective protection of European workers and will contribute to economic and social wellbeing."
Depression is the predominant mental health challenge among people of working age, and more than 30 million Europeans will suffer from the condition during their lifetime. [1] More than 7,000 people from Europe participated in the IDEA study (Impact of Depression in the Workplace in Europe Audit). It found that 20% of respondents had been diagnosed with depression at some time in their lives. The highest rate was recorded in the UK (26%) and the lowest in Italy (12%). Among workers suffering from depression, German (61%), Danish (60%) and UK (58%) citizens were the most likely to go on leave, while Turkish residents were the least likely (25%).
The costs caused by depression in the European Union were estimated at €92 billion in 1010. More than 50 per cent of these costs were lower productivity due to absenteeism from work and reduced efficiency when an ill employee presented at work. [1] In the IDEA survey, the average number of days of sick leave taken due to a recent bout of depression was 36. This was highest in Germany and the UK (41 days) and lowest in Italy (23 days).
