From workplace stress prevention to employer incentives and support for workers with mental health problems

Employers are ideally placed to help their employees deal with mental health problems and retain their jobs. Workers who suffer from mental ill-health take sick leave more frequently and are absent for longer than those who are mentally healthy. At the same time they also report reduced productivity at work more often. Stress prevention in the workplace is both a necessary and effective means of tackling existing mental health issues. However, the pervasiveness of mental health stigma complicates the solution of work problems that are related to mental health problems. If managers are to be able to identify mental health problems, they need adequate training and support.