Depression plus social isolation double down on work productivity

Depressive symptoms in working adults can erode workplace performance, with a sharper decline in productivity seen when depression co-occurs with social isolation, according to a study.

In a multiethnic working adult population of 2,605 individuals in Singapore, the median reported percentage of overall health-related productivity loss (HRPL) was 0.0 percent among those with social isolation, 10.0 percent among those with depression symptoms, and 20.0 percent among those with both social isolation and depressive symptoms. HRPL was assessed using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire. [Sci Rep 2024;14:22145]

While productivity loss due to missed workdays was negligible (HRPL of 0 percent across the three groups), half of the reported percentage of overall HRPL was attributed to presenteeism. Specifically, 5 percent and 10 percent of HRPL occurred while on-the-job for participants with depressive symptoms and those with both depressive symptoms and social isolation, respectively.

In multiple linear regression analysis, participants with depressive symptoms had mean HRPL scores that were 2.81 times (95 percent confidence interval [CI], 2.12–3.72) higher than those without the symptoms. On the other hand, social isolation was not associated with HRPL scores (1.17, 95 percent CI, 0.96–1.42).

There was a significant interaction between depressive symptoms and social isolation (effect size, 1.89, 95 percent CI, 1.04–3.44), indicating that the combined presence of these factors amplified productivity loss, as the investigators pointed out.

Overall, the present data are consistent with existing literature showing evidence of associations between poorer work adjustments/absenteeism and social isolation/depressive symptoms. [Acta Psychiatr Scand 2012;125:325-334; J Nerv Ment Dis 2006;194:570-576; Acta Psychiatr Scand 2007;115:206-213]

The investigators pointed out that the impact of depressive symptoms on productivity loss is possibly tempered by the level of social isolation, which aligns with the Conservation of Resources theory. It posits that individuals cope with resource loss by drawing upon existing resources or seeking new ones. [Am Psychol 1989;44:513-524]

“It is likely that individuals with depressive symptoms cope with the loss of intrinsic resources by expanding on their social relationships. The lack of social relationships leads to a disequilibrium in resources, potentially culminating in stress and, consequently, diminished work productivity,” they explained.

What is needed is a holistic approach to workplace support that promotes social connectedness and mental wellbeing to enhance at-work productivity, according to the investigators. It might also help to implement policies that encourage employees to take time-off from work for their mental health when needed, they added.

The study population had a mean age 47.3 years, with 48.9 percent being female and 73.4 percent having Chinese ancestry. Most of the participants were working full-time (82.3 percent), living in public four-room flat or bigger (69.7 percent), and residing in Northern Singapore (54.1 percent). A total of 1,137 participants (43.6 percent) were at high risk of social isolation, 130 (5.0 percent) had mild-to-severe depressive symptoms, and 82 (3.1 percent) experienced co-occurring social isolation and depressive symptoms. There were 727 participants (27.9 percent) who had at least one self-reported chronic condition.

“It appeared that there were multiple factors associated with productivity loss, and further subgroup analyses should be done given a larger study population in the future,” the investigators said.