Mental Health in the Workplace

Workplace Mental Health

Prepared for SAIT Business Administration Students

By: Erin Boyle

April 7, 2014

Table of Contents

Executive Summary ii

Introduction 1

Types of Mental Disorders 1

Anxiety Disorders 1

Depression Disorders 2

Addiction Disorders 2

Effects of Mental Disorders 3

Dealing with Mental Disorders 3

Conclusion 4

References 5

Executive Summary

This report was prepared for SAIT Business Administration Students. It outlines common types of mental disorders, symptoms, effects these disorders have on the workplace and what managers can do if they encounter someone who is negatively affected.

Anxiety disorders occur when stress has become unmanageable. The primary causes of stress include, juggling work/personal life, people issues, lack of job security and workload. People dealing with anxiety disorders may experience symptoms that manifest themselves physically causing them to be unable to attend work or to work at their full capacity.

Depression is a mood disorder that is characterized with feeling of sadness or worthlessness. People with depression may experience constant fatigue, joint pain, headaches and other physical symptoms that cause them to miss work. Depressed people can often affect the mood of other people they come in contact with. This can have negative consequences on workplace morale.

Substance abuse is a very serious problem as well. One in five people who experience a mental disorder are also addicted to drug and/or alcohol. Managers should be aware of the warning sign of addiction and encourage their employees to seek help if they suspect this very serious illness is occurring. Addiction causes people to lose their inhibitions causing them to make poor decisions or act in unsafe ways.

These disorders reduce productivity, increase absenteeism and employee turnover. Managers need to be aware of these issues and how they are effecting the work environment. By recognizing the warning signs, working...