Global Economic Depression

Mental health is not something we tend to talk about all that often. I mean, if we have the flu, most of us are quite comfortable with ringing in sick, and some will even bring the gory details of their illness into work with them when they recover (please note: I’m not mentioning this by way of endorsement. I don’t like the words “mucous” or “diahorea” and I hate more the anything the phrase, “it was coming out both ends”).

But what about if we’re feeling bad. Emotionally, I mean? Are we happy to give the boss a call and say, “You know, I’m just not coping with life, I feel as though I’d rather die than face people today and really, I’d like a few days off to recover”. Even if this is the truth, I’d be willing to wager most of us would be keen to avoid the stigma attached to being mentally unwell.

So what’s happening in recruitment offices where you are? How are recruiters coping with the decline in revenue, with job losses and with the constant looming threat of job losses? Is morale high? Are you all bonding as a result of the common enemy – lack of income? Or is it every person for themselves out there?

Perhaps a more important question: How are recruitment companies dealing with a workforce who may be suffering higher rates of depression, lack of morale and motivation and an increase in anxiety as a result of economic uncertainty? Are you offering counseling or, at least, support? Or is this something not at all of concern for you – you’re just focused on getting through this thing at minimal cost?

Tell me your stories (gory details and all – just don’t mention the “m” word:)