Identifying and implementing current practices in supporting workers with depression
Reasons for the study
The burden associated with managing the effects of depression in the workplace is extensive. Workers with depression lose significantly more health-related productive time, have higher rates of absenteeism and short-term disability, and experience higher rates of job turnover than those without depression. Since the late 2000s, the Institute for Work & Health has conducted a series of systematic reviews on the effectiveness of intervention approaches to manage workers’ depression, support return to work, and reduce associated productivity losses.
This project drew upon this research evidence—and integrated it with both practitioner expertise and worker and employer preferences—to help identify current practices in managing and implementing depression-related support programs in the workplace.
Objectives of the study
- To combine findings from the peer-reviewed and grey literature with data from an online survey, focus groups, and interviews with employers and employees
- To use this evidence to create a guide for workplaces outlining practices for supporting employees experiencing depression
Related interviews and articles
- Work-focused CBT can help depressed employees remain on the job. Benefits Canada. May 4, 2018. Available from: http://www.benefitscanada.com/news/work-focused-cbt-can-help-depressed-employees-remain-on-the-job-114005
- IWH’s new guide on supporting workers with depression integrates research with practice. At Work: Institute for Work & Health; No. 92, Spring 2018.
Related Speaker Series presentations
- Systematic review of workplace interventions to manage depression. IWH Speaker Series. January 30, 2018.
Project status
Completed 2017
Research team
Participating organizations
- Alberta Workers’ Health Centre
- B.C. Federation of Labour
- Mood Disorders Association of B.C.
- Unifor
Funded by
WorkSafeBC