Converge International

On June 1, 2009 news.com.au published an article about ‘Australian workers struggling with depression’ quoting Dr Lindsay McMillan, CEO - Converge International.  This article has been posted below for reference.

JOB insecurity, increased workloads and uncertainty about the future is fuelling a potentially deadly wave of depression among workers, according to the head of a major employee support service.

Worried workers are flocking to employee counselling as they struggle to cope with depression and anxiety, says the head of assistance group Converge International, Dr Lindsay McMillan.

He fears a “suicide epidemic”.

To read more, click here.

On October 21, 2009 news.com.au published an article regarding ‘the impact of the financial crisis on business’ quoting Dr Lindsay McMillan, CEO - Converge International.  This article has been posted below for reference.

In times of crisis, employers need to know what to do to protect their staff and business if they’re to remain in the game.

Human resources consultancy Converge International chief executive Dr Lindsay McMillan said employers needed to respond swiftly to a crisis. “Whether it is a critical incident within the company or a flood, storm or shooting that’s affecting their staff, employers can no longer turn a blind eye,” he said.

To read more, click here.

I found this and thought it is an opportunity to reflect on how significant friends are, particularly as an outcome of the the Global Financial Crisis.  It is worth a read…

In the quest for better health, may people turn to doctors, self-help books or herbal supplements.  But they overlook a powerful weapon that could hep them fight illness and depression, speed recover, slow aging and prolong life: their friends.

Researchers are only now starting to pay attention to the importance of friendship and social networks in overall health.  A 10 year Australian study found that older people with a large circle of freinds were 22 percent less likely to die during the study period than those with fewer friends.  A large 2007 study showed an increase of nearly 60 percent in the risk for obesity among people whose friends gained weight.  And last year, Harvard researchers reported that strong social ties could promote brain health as we age…

To read full article, click here http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/21/health/21well.html?_r=1