Mental health issues could involve conditions as debilitating as depression, substance abuse and bipolar disorder, or might involve anxiety disorders and stress. In any case, they affect one's ability to focus and perform tasks. According to Mental Health America, more than 90 percent of employees say their mental health has a direct impact on their performance in the workplace.

Depression is one mental health issue that can greatly affect one's ability to function. MHA also reports that more than 19 million Americans suffer from a depressive illness each year. Depression often causes a loss of interest in things that typically brought pleasure and at times can be so debilitating that the person affected has trouble getting out of bed. This extreme fatigue is often accompanied by an inability to focus and concentrate.

To address this problem and delay rising costs, employers must be aware of the reasons workers may opt to work rather than seek treatment, and take steps toward addressing these issues.

Unfortunately, a negative social stigma still accompanies mental illness. This can lead those affected by a mental illness to avoid treatment out of unnecessary shame or embarrassment. When left untreated, many of these mental conditions will inevitably worsen, affecting one's ability to function at work.

According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, 20 percent of Americans said they may not pursue treatment with a mental health professional because a social stigma accompanies therapy, and 30 percent said they would be concerned if others knew they sought help through a mental health professional.

Another reason many employees do not seek treatment for mental illness is because they are often unaware of the medical benefits available to them. According to a recent national survey conducted by Meritain Health and PWMH, more than 52 percent of employers fail to address mental health matters within the workplace. The same survey revealed that 40 percent of employees are unaware of the mental/behavioral health benefits offered by their employer, and more than 35 percent would be more likely to use these benefits if employers did a better job of promoting them.

These and other statistics reveal that it is no longer enough to offer competitive benefits. Employers must also educate workers to make them aware of the available benefits. This can include educational sessions that outline the benefits of each plan, interactive communication tools, takeaways and Web site resources.

Mental and physical health are undeniably interdependent. While mental illness is a large contributor to presenteeism, it can be worsened by health conditions such as obesity, hypertension and diabetes. In fact, MHA reports that the six leading causes of death have been linked to stress, proving that one's mental state contributes to physical health. The implications on the workplace are also undeniable, as more than 35 percent of respondents to the Meritain/PWMH survey said that stress affects the quality of their work.

Luckily for employers, research has shown that effective treatment of mental illness can lead to the improvement of chronic physical disorders. In order for treatment to be effective, however, it must first be available to employees.

Investing in the care of employees' mental and physical health is key in addressing the rising costs of presenteeism. Employers must first ensure that employees are aware of the mental benefits that are available and encourage them to seek treatment for mental and behavioral health problems. By being vocal about treatment options and highlighting the benefits of using this treatment, employers help lessen the impact of social stigma surrounding mental health.

These efforts further encourage workers to address existing mental and behavioral health conditions, benefiting their overall health. A healthier work force is a more productive workforce, inevitably leading to a reduced incidence of presenteeism and reduced healthcare costs.

ALM Global