Depression in the workplace; are your staff at risk?
The recent tragic death of Robin William has put depression on the front pages. It’s an illness that is very common and yet still something of a taboo; certainly in terms of being discussed openly. Although some professions seem to be at greater risk of suffering depression; lawyers, healthcare workers, writers, waiters and entertainers included; no-one is immune. In busy workplaces it is sometimes difficult (or undesirable) to dig too deep into employees’ private lives but should businesses have better strategies in place to identify and help those who may be having problems? There is certainly a strong case, not just from a moral standpoint but also from a business one; workers suffering from depression are likely to be less productive and take more days off so helping them would seem good business sense. The World Health Organization has a white paper on mental health policies and how to implement them in the workplace.
NAIC conference this weekend
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners summer meeting takes place this weekend, bringing together America’s state insurance chiefs. Groups and task forces will be discussing topics across the insurance spectrum including a review of enterprise risk management efforts by carriers and how they may be impacted by climate change and global warming. There will also be a review of commercial lines insurance regulations looking at rate and form filing and approval; and how to make regulation of commercial lines insurance as effective and efficient as possible.
Canada hailstorm did $25 million of damage
The hailstorms which parts of Alberta last week have caused an estimated CAN$25 million of damage. The Insurance Bureau of Canada has designated the storm damage as a catastrophe after hailstones the size of golf balls hit the city of Airdrie, north of Calgary last Thursday with a further storm on Friday. Homes, business premises and vehicles were damaged by the storms and the Insurance Bureau says the cost and frequency of weather incidents in Canada is rising. The Bureau has already estimated that insurance premiums may rise by up to 20 per cent due to weather damage incidents.
