According to a study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, managers who are trained in common mental disorders, such as stress, anxiety and depression are up to 84% more likely to take managerial preventative actions in order assist an employee in the workplace.
Of the study participants who received training such as stress counseling or lectures on Mental Health topics, 50% reported taking preventative action and 57% reporting having talks with employees as a means of prevention.
Other factors influencing managerial preventative actions were gender, if the employer offered stress counseling, being responsible for the work environment, and more than 10 years of managerial experience.
This study seems to show the importance of reducing stigma associated with metal health common in the workplace. Simple things like awareness training, promotion of Employee Assistance Programs, identifying tasks and activities prone to stress help to normalize mental illness and therefore open up the workplace to preventative actions. These actions would in turn reduce the unwanted effects both in the workplace and beyond.
To see the findings as summarized by the National Safety Council, click Here or Here to access the full study.
McCraren Compliance offers Suicide Prevention in the Workplace Training utilizing curriculum though Working Minds and University of Colorado. Call or contact us to find out more.