Let's get real about mental health in the workplace

Any organization that is serious about growing, managing risk and maintaining a strong, competitive workforce has to start getting real about mental health at the workplace. (Image: Shutterstock)

Every organization is only as healthy as its workforce. An estimated 322 million people worldwide live with depression, including 40 million Americans, and up to 56 percent do not seek treatment. Depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States, and it is estimated that depression and anxiety cost the global economy $1 trillion per year in lost productivity.

Any organization that is serious about growing, managing risk and maintaining a strong, competitive workforce has to start getting real about mental health at the workplace. Beyond depressive disorders, over 26 percent of employed adults have substance abuse or addiction in their family, with 42 of those individuals reporting that their productivity suffered as a result. Considering 16 percent of emergency room patients injured at work have alcohol in their system, it should be no surprise that drug abuse and addiction cost American companies upwards of $81 billion annually.