Integrating Job Stress and Workplace Mental Health Literacy Intervention: Challenges and Benefits

Abstract

We developed and implemented an integrated workplace mental health intervention combining job stress intervention with a workplace mental health literacy program. The intervention was evaluated using an uncontrolled design, with organization-wide assessment of working conditions and mental health literacy pre-intervention, followed by action planning and intervention (up to 1 year), and post-intervention assessment 1 year on. No significant changes in the measured working conditions were observed (the ‘derailment’); however, significant and sustained improvements in mental health literacy were observed. In comparison to mental health literacy improvements, improvements in psychosocial working conditions are harder to achieve (e.g., require more time and resources, organizational as well as knowledge/attitudes/behaviour change). Integrating these two approaches may provide encouragement/incentives to employers (near-term improvement in mental health literacy) needed to sustain employer interest and commitment to the improvement of psychosocial working conditions (over the longer term). To promote greater employer uptake and more sustained efforts to improve workplace mental health, we offer the three main messages (the ‘solutions’).