According to data from the NHS Information Centre, the use of antidepressants and sleeping pills has jumped 20% in just three years. Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of the health charity Mind, cited the tough economic times may have contributed to more people experiencing depression. This has enormous implications on the potential (or not) for profitability and growth during these tough trading times. It is now an accepted fact that the morale of a workforce can be correlated and linked to levels of stress and consequently absenteeism.
During adverse times the role of the leadership team will determine whether the business or organisation adopts a fighting spirit or whether employees sink into a quagmire of negativity and fear.
Studies show that leaders who demonstrate high levels of charisma are seven times more likely to create a motivated and engaged workforce when compared to leaders who are equally competent yet lack than presence and impact.
Many organisations experience the impact of a depressed workforce yet fail to realise that depression means a massive drop in overall energy and low energy immediately creates apathy, tiredness, stress and illness. I call this The Rotten Apple Syndrome because the moment you allow negativity to breed, even in just one person you’ll notice that it spreads like a contagious disease infecting everyone.
The good news is that organisations, businesses and individuals can adopt easy steps that instantly boost energy, morale, confidence and motivation. By changing workforce attitudes you will leverage the organisation’s potential for growth and success.
Happy New Year knowing that it is when we are experiencing the toughest moments in our life we are being handed a wonderful opportunity to grow and develop.
