Mental health in the workplace

Workers with a work-related physical injury that takes them off the job can have a wide range of mental health experiences, beyond diagnosable conditions. That’s according to an IWH study which also found that differences in workers’ mental health after an injury were linked to return-to-work outcomes. Those reporting both a mental health condition and the poorest wellbeing had longer, more expensive compensation claims.

Published: April 2025

Work-related post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSI) are complex and highly prevalent among public safety workers such as those in police and fire services. Faced with the challenges of supporting employees who have experienced such an injury, public safety employers have developed strategies to improve return to work (RTW) after PTSI. These strategies were highlighted in a recent IWH Speaker Series presentation.

Published: March 2025

Public safety personnel—i.e., people who work in police, fire, paramedics and corrections services—experience higher rates of post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSI) than the general public. These injuries often take them off the job for long periods as part of their recovery. Employers in public safety can play an important role in supporting the return to work of employees who’ve experienced PTSI, but limited information is available on employer experiences, needs and challenges. In this presentation, Dr. Basak Yanar and Dr. Cameron Mustard share the findings of a qualitative study conducted with representatives of public safety employers, unions and associations in Ontario. The study examines employer experiences supporting the return to work of public safety personnel with PTSI. It also highlights perspectives on best practices and innovations in PTSI prevention and disability management.  

Published: February 2025

Public safety personnel—police, fire, paramedics, and corrections officers—face high risks of post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSI), often leading to extended work absences. Shane Mercer reports on new research from the Institute for Work & Health (IWH) on how Ontario’s public safety employers are supporting their return to work (RTW).

Published: Canadian Occupational Safety, February 2025

Mental health is often thought of as the presence or absence of a mental health condition such as depression or an anxiety disorder. However, the complete mental health model suggests that mental health is also comprised of one’s level of emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. How does this holistic way of framing mental health help us understand the return-to-work experiences of injured workers? In this presentation, Dr. Kathleen Dobson shares results from a recent study examining various mental health profiles among a group of physically injured workers in Ontario. She discusses why it is important to define “mental health” in occupational research, how this framework helps highlight the diverse mental health experiences that injured workers have and how these experiences may impact their return to work.

Published: January 2025

Workers in public safety jobs, like firefighters or police, are often exposed to potentially traumatic events and may experience mental health injuries as a result. In Ontario, a pilot program has been developed to help treat these workers. To identify any needed changes to the program, IWH researchers asked employers about their experiences helping these workers return to work after a mental health injury.

Published: January 2025

Published: Applied Ergonomics, January 2025

Published: Journal of Work Health and Safety Regulation, January 2025

Workers with chronic or episodic health conditions may face the decision of whether to disclose their health information at work. But many find this decision challenging and stressful. A worker may need supports due to their condition but may worry that sharing health information could impact their reputation or job security. A new IWH tool, called DCIDE, was developed to help workers make these hard decisions.

Published: December 2024

Published: SSM - Population Health, December 2024