Workplace Research Monthly

Low job control and major depression in Australian men

Low job control has been linked to poor mental health including depression and anxiety but less is known about the effects of prolonged exposure to low job control.

A review of data from 5,054 employed Australian men from 2013 to 2021 found a strong link between low job control and major depression symptoms.

Intermittent and persistent low job control were associated with an increased risk of major depression symptoms by 32% and 103% respectively.

Increasing job control can be a protective factor against major depression.

Low job control is a common psychosocial hazard. For guidance on managing psychosocial hazards see the new Commonwealth Work Health and Safety (Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work) Code of Practice 2024.

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