Mental health and work
Awareness is growing about the importance of how the work environment, in particular the psychosocial environment, can impact the mental health of workers. Awareness is also growing about the differing work accommodation and return-to-work needs of workers with mental—versus physical—health conditions. Our research aims to identify and measure psychosocial hazards and explore how dimensions of the psychosocial work environment can promote positive mental health or lead to poorer mental health. Our research also explores workplace and system-level strategies for helping workers with mental health conditions—including post-traumatic stress disorders—stay in and return to work.
Latest findings
Rises in opioid harms highest in machining, construction, sales
A new study has found that opioid harm rates have increased among injured workers over the last two decades. The study also breaks the trends down by occupation.
New tool for measuring risk of occupational stress injury now validated by IWH study
An IWH study has found that a tool developed by the Public Services Health and Safety Association has strong measurement properties relevant to employee mental health.
New resource aims to help first responder organizations deliver PTSI support
This evidence-based resource provides practical guidance to first responder organizations that are looking to deliver programs to support their workers and to reduce work disability related to PTSI. The resource provides covers various stages of planning, delivering and maintaining such a program.Featured guide
Learn what to do when you, your co-workers or employees experience depressive symptoms at work.
Featured resource
This summary of an IWH research project outlines challenges in return to work within police services related to three key themes: accommodation, communication and trust-building, all within the culture and context of policing.
