PHWP: Abstract Detail: Mental health problems in the workplace

Focuses on the issue of mental health in the workplace. According to this newsletter article, the symptoms of mental health problems may be different at work than in other contexts. Furthermore, though most people would associate mental health problems (such as depression, bipolar, and anxiety disorders) with increased absenteeism, the greatest impact of these disorders occurs on productivity. Workers experiencing mental health problems tend to experience greater levels of presenteeism, which reduces the quantity and quality of their work performance. Lastly, though studies suggest treatment can be an effective way to reduce the impact of these mental health problems, treatment requires a long-term focus.

Harvard Mental Health Letter (2010, February). Mental health problems in the workplace. Harvard Mental Health Letter [Online]. Retrieved February 9, 2010, from www.health.harvard.edu.