Employers should assist depressed employees in order to curb absenteeism, according to a new study released this week.

In addition, it is in the best interests of the employer to help employees maintain proper health (mentally and physically). In a world of personal responsibility, the daily grind of employment can sometimes tax employees beyond their limits, if you ask me.

It's unfortunate that many employers, according to the study, view mental health coverage as a "financial black hole," most likely because there is very little measurable cost savings to be had. Unfortunately, the reverse it true -- the most you help employees help themselves, the more productive they'll be and the fewer days they'll miss. Someone get a bean counter in on that thought.