Symptoms of depression and their effects on employment

Poor mental health is the leading cause of sickness absence in the UK, and depression is one of the most common mental health problems. It should therefore be a priority for all employers to understand the nature of depression, how it can impact on work life and the interventions and adjustments that can improve things.

This report from The Work Foundation uses an extensive literature review and expert interviews to answer four key objectives:

1. What role do the symptoms of depression play as
   barriers to employment and job retention for people with depression?
2. What support and interventions assist people with depression with regards to improving employment outcomes?
3. What are the barriers for people with depression in accessing effective support/services?
4. What can health policymakers and key stakeholders do to reduce the barriers to employment for people with depression?

This is an important piece of work that all employers should be familiar with to help improve the working lives of those experiencing depression.