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One in 10 workers has taken time off because of depression, a poll of 7,000
people in seven European countries has found.
The Mori survey was carried out for the European Depression Association (EDA)
in the UK, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Turkey, Spain and France.
Those in the UK, Denmark and Germany were most likely to be off work because of
depression.
A British expert said support for people with depression was improving.
Overall, 20% of the 7,000 polled had received a diagnosis of depression at some
point in their lives.
The highest rate was in the UK, where 26% had been diagnosed and the lowest in
Italy, where the figure was 12%.
Among workers experiencing depression, those in Germany (61%), Denmark (60%),
and Britain (58%) were most likely to take time off work, while those in Turkey
were the least likely (25%).
Researchers have previously estimated the cost of depression at 92bn ( 73bn)
in 2010 across the EU, with lost productivity due to time off or
under-performance accounting for most of the costs.
Start Quote
We have moved forward significantly
Emer O'Neill Depression Alliance
An average of 36 days were taken for the last episode of depression - but
figures ranged from 41 in the UK to 23 in Italy.
Across the countries surveyed, one in four of with depression said they did not
tell their employer.
One in three of them said they were worried it could put their job at risk.
A third of the 792 managers surveyed said they had no formal support in place
to help them deal with employees experiencing depression.
But the situation was better in the UK, with most of the 117 managers
questioned reporting good back-up from their HR department.
'Attention and action'
Dr Vincenzo Costigliola, president of the EDA, said "The results of the survey
show that much needs to be done in raising awareness and supporting employees
and employers in recognising and managing depression in the workplace.
"We ask policymakers to consider the impact of depression on the workforce and
charge them with addressing depression and workers and workplace safety."
MEP Stephen Hughes, who holds the Employment and Social Affairs portfolio in
the European Parliament, backs better support and protection for workers.
He said: "Depression in the workplace is an employment and societal challenge
that is causing serious damage and which requires attention and action from the
European Union."
Emer O'Neill, chief executive of the Depression Alliance, said the situation in
the UK was improving.
"We have moved forward significantly. Depression and anxiety is being talked
about more and is more widely recognised. GPs are more receptive.
"In addition, employers are increasingly coming to groups like us to help them
provide support and put procedures in place to allow people to go through this
illness like they would any other.