Everyone gets sad from time to time, but that's different from SAD, or seasonal affective disorder. SAD is more than just itching to get out of the house and go swimming — it's a form of depression, according to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Although the direct cause is unknown, it could be due to serotonin and melatonin levels, or circadian rhythm changes. In most cases, people with SAD tend to begin symptoms in the fall, and they don't clear up until winter is over. The Canadian Psychological Association reports that 2-3% of people in Canada experience SAD severely, while about another 15% may experience a mild version.
Impacts on Your Business
If your employees are based in Canada, you may anticipate that some may suffer from the disorder. Symptoms of SAD may include, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and general irritability, which may directly impact productivity and your business.
As a business owner, you should not be directly involved in your employees' medical care, and you should refrain from asking any questions or making any assumptions about the medical conditions of your employees. However, there are some things you may be required to do in order to help accommodate. As SAD is a real form of depression, those who suffer from SAD who receive legitimate medical documentation may choose to take a medical leave of absence for their mental health for which they must be accommodated under the Canada Labour Code as well as provincial employments standards acts and human rights codes. Additionally, SAD may qualify as a disability under provincial human rights codes and your employee may be entitled to Short Term Disability or Long-Term Disability benefits to assist with health challenges. Employers may be required to engage in the interactive process with employees and provide accommodations to help them perform essential job functions.
Employee Assistance Programs: Health and Wellness
If you don't have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), now is the time to get one. EAPs help with a whole range of life circumstances, from finances and divorce to referrals to mental health specialists. They are a low-cost, low-effort way to help your employees receive assistance. Ensure your workforce is aware that the EAP is available and make it easy for employees to take time off for therapy or doctor's appointments.
A wellness program that focuses on physical health can also help with SAD. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), exercise can help SAD, as can natural light. Encourage your employees to get some much-needed vitamin D and exercise by organizing a lunchtime walking group on sunny days. With the right winter clothing, you can enjoy a jaunt outside, even in February.
Depending on where your building is located, you may get great natural light. Keep your blinds open during the sunny part of the day, and consider accommodating employees who ask for more light. For instance, employees who do not sit near a window could benefit from working in a sun-filled vacant conference room.
EAPs may also be an important resource when symptoms of an employee's depression pose a physical risk to himself or other employees.
This winter, make it a priority to ensure that your employees know how to seek accommodations for seasonal affective disorder and that additional help is available.
This article originally appeared on SPARK Powered by ADP.
