Workplace Research Monthly

Enhancing return to work for people with mental health issues

Improving collaboration around return to work for employees with common mental health issues can significantly enhance outcomes, according to this Canadian study.

Researchers assessed a web application that facilitates collaboration between stakeholders in the return to work process, including the employee, return to work coordinator, managers and health professionals. It also offers supportive tools covering topics like return to work barriers, self-efficacy, workplace accommodations and clinical symptoms.

In the groups using the application, employee sick leave duration and relapses were reduced – in fact the average absence was almost 3 months shorter compared with a control group.

Read more