Mental health in the workplace

Workplaces play a dual role in the area of mental health. On the one hand, they can be a stressful environment that contributes to mental health problems among workers. On the other hand, they can play an important part in helping to detect and manage mental health problems when they arise among workers, and in ensuring the healthy recovery and return of workers who are off work due to a mental health issue. IWH research in this area helps paint a clearer picture of the prevalence of mental health problems among workers, the types of labour force and workplace factors that may contribute to poor mental health, and the workplace-based and system prevention efforts that can help improve the mental health of workers and ensure they have the proper supports when needed.

Featured

A woman working at a laptop looks out the window with her head resting on her hand
At Work article

Workplace supports buffer productivity impacts of rheumatic diseases and depression

Young adults who live with both a rheumatic disease and depression have lower productivity than those who have only one or neither condition. That’s according to a new IWH study. Findings from this small study also suggest that having a supportive working environment can buffer lost productivity.
Published: October 7, 2024
Two women sharing a confidence at work
At Work article

People’s reasons for disclosing episodic disabilities linked to support they receive

Should people with an episodic disability disclose their condition at work? It's a complex decision. This new study looks at people's reasons for disclosing (or not) and explores whether they are linked to outcomes.
Published: February 2021
Journal article
Journal article

Assessing the psychosocial work environment in relation to mental health: a comprehensive approach

Published: Annals of Work Exposures and Health, February 2021
Journal article
Journal article
Journal article

Online resources supporting workers with chronic episodic disabilities: an environmental scan

Published: International Journal of Workplace Health Management, January 2021
Journal article
Journal article

Reciprocal associations between depression, anxiety and work-related injury

Published: Injury Prevention, December 2020