Researchers from University College Cork (UCC) have co-authored a major scientific study published in The Lancet today on work-related causes of mental health conditions.
The publication highlights the link between exposure to adverse working conditions and the risk of depressive disorders.
The global study finds that mental health problems and mental disorders are common in the working population.
Researchers cite that 15% of adults of working age experience mental health disorders, with depression, anxiety and substance abuse being the most common.
Workers with mental health disorders are at increased risk of sickness absence, unemployment, permanent exit from employment and lower lifetime income, which in turn can exacerbate mental disorders.
The article finds that most interventions focus on the individual level only and recommends that more proactive interventions need to be developed to protect and promote workers' mental health and wellbeing.
Dr Birgit Greiner and Professor Ella Arensman from the UCC School of Public Health, co-authored the article with academics from universities in Europe, Japan and Australia.
Dr Greiner will present the findings at the World Health Summit in Berlin on 15 October.
"Workplaces have huge potential to influence mental health by promoting the positive aspects of work and providing safe, non-discriminatory support for those showing signs of mental health problems," Dr Greiner said.
"Modifying psychosocial working conditions is key. Workplace mental health should be made a collective concern at all levels of an organisation," she added
Prof Arensman said that work-related mental health is an issue of public health importance.
"We know burnout and distress are common particularly within the healthcare sector, leading to difficulties in attracting new workers, their retention and turnover," she said.
"Interventions must include the prevention of mental health problems along with helping affected individuals regardless of cause," she added.
