The interaction of depression and smoking on workplace productivity

Previous studies have indicated that individuals with depression have increased workplace absenteeism, leading to substantial costs to employers. However, depressed patients are also more likely to be cigarette smokers, and smoking is also associated with increased absenteeism. We evaluated the impact of depression and smoking status on workplace absenteeism in a study of airline reservation agents. Smoking was associated with absenteeism for all levels of depression, but depression increased absenteeism only among current smokers. These results suggest that part of the workplace burden associated with depression may be attributable to smoking.