A new study shows millennials are more likely to experience workplace depression than their older counterparts a fact that may shed light on developing workplace dynamics.
A new study released by Bensinger, DuPont & Associates shows that millennials had higher rates of depression. About one in five millennials in the survey asked for more employee assistance and work advice than those of previous generations, Matt Petronzio reported for Mashable.
In comparison only 16 percent of baby boomers and 16 percent of Gen Xers said they experienced depression and utilized these resources, Petronzio reported.
The BDA study, titled Depression and Work: The Impact of Depression on Different Generations of Employees, said the most common signs of workplace depression were presenteeism (showing up to work but being unable to function effectively), missing work, workplace conflict or being disciplined.
While millennials were statistically more likely to exhibit these symptoms in conjunction with their workplace depression, their older counterparts also reported these same issues just at a lower rate.
The World Health Organization reported approximately 350 million people experience depression, which is characterized by feelings of sadness that often make completing tasks difficult and interfere with work, family, school and socializing.
Marie Apke, chief operating officer of BDA, said in a statement that depression often goes untreated, and changes should be made to help those with depression.
"Depression costs the economy more than $23 billion annually due to absenteeism," Apke said. "While recent public health initiatives continue to enhance and expand our understanding of the social and economic costs of depression, it's clear more work is needed to combat depression in the workplace."
As a result of their survey, Petronzio reported BDA was advocating for better training to recognize depression.
Psychotherapist Brooke Donatone said in a 2014 article for Slate there are many reasons millennials are experiencing higher rates of depression, including a delayed sense of adulthood.
People in their 20s no longer view themselves as adults, Donatone said. There are various plausible reasons for this, including longer life spans, helicopter parenting and fewer high-paying jobs that allow new college grads to be financially independent at a young age.
A new study released by Bensinger, DuPont & Associates shows that millennials had higher rates of depression. About one in five millennials in the survey asked for more employee assistance and work advice than those of previous generations, Matt Petronzio reported for Mashable.
In comparison only 16 percent of baby boomers and 16 percent of Gen Xers said they experienced depression and utilized these resources, Petronzio reported.
The BDA study, titled Depression and Work: The Impact of Depression on Different Generations of Employees, said the most common signs of workplace depression were presenteeism (showing up to work but being unable to function effectively), missing work, workplace conflict or being disciplined.
While millennials were statistically more likely to exhibit these symptoms in conjunction with their workplace depression, their older counterparts also reported these same issues just at a lower rate.
The World Health Organization reported approximately 350 million people experience depression, which is characterized by feelings of sadness that often make completing tasks difficult and interfere with work, family, school and socializing.
Marie Apke, chief operating officer of BDA, said in a statement that depression often goes untreated, and changes should be made to help those with depression.
"Depression costs the economy more than $23 billion annually due to absenteeism," Apke said. "While recent public health initiatives continue to enhance and expand our understanding of the social and economic costs of depression, it's clear more work is needed to combat depression in the workplace."
As a result of their survey, Petronzio reported BDA was advocating for better training to recognize depression.
Psychotherapist Brooke Donatone said in a 2014 article for Slate there are many reasons millennials are experiencing higher rates of depression, including a delayed sense of adulthood.
People in their 20s no longer view themselves as adults, Donatone said. There are various plausible reasons for this, including longer life spans, helicopter parenting and fewer high-paying jobs that allow new college grads to be financially independent at a young age.
