Employer Benefits From an Early Intervention Program for Depression: A Cost-Benefit Analysis.

Abstract

The Work Outcomes Research Cost-benefit (WORC) project aimed to determine if early intervention for depression influenced workforce productivity in full-time employees. The current study aims to examine whether this intervention is cost-effective. A cost-benefit analysis of the WORC project from the employer's perspective was undertaken, taking into account intervention costs and associated gains due to increased workforce productivity from baseline to 12-month follow-up. Both the single intervention and case management groups were found to have a decrease in time lost at work due to presenteeism. This contributed to net gains resulting from increased workforce productivity in both intervention groups. The results suggest that the WORC intervention was cost-effective. A similar intervention to that described here may be beneficial to employers who are seeking to increase workforce productivity.