Acknowledging the mental health of your employees may not seem like a way to cut costs and increase productivity in your business, but a look below the surface tells a different story. The depression cost the United States $83 billion a year. Nearly two-thirds of this $83 billion comes from lower productivity and absenteeism in the workplace.

Depression is reaching epidemic proportions in the United States and the cost to business and industry may be mounting. Smart employees are recognizing that depression is devastating to the workplace. It leads to decreased labor productivity, which in turn leads to higher costs for employers. Depression weakens the immune system, so depressed employees become susceptible to physical disorders, leading to higher health care costs for employers.

In addition, there is the hidden cost of the work environment. Contented and happy employees add to the work environment to attract better employees, which translates into higher productivity, better working relationships between team members and co-workers, more creative ideas for product development and improvement, and a general atmosphere of well-being and efficiency.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 1 in 20 people in the United States is depressed, with 80 percent saying their depression interferes with their ability to work. The highest rate of depression is found among people ages 40 to 59. Yet depression is the leading cause of disability among Americans ages 15 to 44, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. And in a Thomas Reuters report, disability-related costs for a year, on average, are $1,038 for depressed people and just $325 for non-depressed people. These early statistics are a stark reminder that depression is a problem for employers.

Symptoms of depression include difficulty concentrating or making decisions, lack of energy, and an inability to focus on the task or maintain interest in the task. These symptoms contribute to decreased productivity or increased absenteeism of an employee. People who are depressed are often anxious and anxious and may be irritable and have trouble getting along with co-workers. They may neglect their appearance or be unable to deal with customers. They may have difficulty starting tasks or may lose motivation to complete tasks and meet deadlines.

Depression makes it hard for depressed people to think through a problem fully, so they may lack the confidence to make decisions. Feelings of shame, humiliation, or anger can keep them from seeking help. They may display defensive tendencies, making it difficult for supervisors to offer constructive criticism.

What can and what should employers do? First, employers must recognize that depression is a serious and growing concern in the workplace. Second, employers have options to offer employees who are depressed. Employees with very severe depression should be guided to take advantage of the employee health program for mental health issues. These employees may need to seek help from a therapist and may need antidepressant medication. Employees who are mildly or moderately depressed can be helped through corporate training programs that are designed to help employees overcome depression and provide them with tools to maintain a state of contentment and happiness.

Content and happy employees, employees who are not depressed, find satisfaction in their work, which translates into more productivity, fewer absences and lower health care costs. In addition, satisfied and happy employees create a work environment that invites the best workers in the country. Bottom line: Satisfied people make better employees and cost the employer less in health care costs and lost productivity.