Workers with mental health problems need support on their return to work


Employees returning to work after being off work sick with mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, stress and adjustment disorders, need more support, says new research published ahead of World Mental Health Day on 10 October. 


The report, Return to work after common mental disorders, funded by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), concludes that perceived high workload and pressure was the primary cause of absence, that mental health conditions were seen as a consequence of the absence rather than a cause, and that those off on long-term sickness absence often disliked their work, affecting their motivation to return.


Workers pointed to a range of barriers to returning to work, including heavy workloads or unchallenging work, a poor relationship with line managers and lack of support from them, a lack of trust in management and fear of dismissal. 


The researchers made a number of recommendations, including more education for managers and supervisors on how to support workers and using a personalised return approach.


“It is crucial that approaches are well planned and involve the joint working of the employee, their supervisor and relevant occupational health expert,” said lead researcher Dr Margot Joosen from Tranzo, Tilburg University in Denmark.


www.iosh.co.uk/rtwmentalhealth