Values and Preferences Related to Workplace Mental Health Programs and Interventions: An International Survey

Introduction This study explores the perspectives of workers and managers on workplace programs and interventions that seek to promote mental wellbeing, and prevent and treat mental health conditions The results contributed supporting evidence for the development of the WHO’s first global guidelines for mental health and work, which provide evidence-based recommendations to support the implementation of workplace mental health programs and supports, to improve their acceptability, appropriateness, and uptake. Methods A survey was used to examine the values and preferences among workers and employers related to workplace mental health prevention, protection, promotion, and support programs and services. The survey was made available in English, French, and Spanish. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the survey data. Rapid thematic analysis was used to analyse the results of qualitative questions. Results These results provide a unique international perspective on programs and supports for mental health at work, from the standpoint of employees, including managers. Results suggest that employees value interventions developed in consultation with workers (including indicated, selective and universal interventions), increased training and capacity building among managers, and targeted interventions to address the pervasive impact of stigma on perceptions about mental health at work and help-seeking. The findings of this study seek to reflect the perspectives of workers, including managers, and therein to promote improved access, availability and uptake of mental health programs and supports at work and – ultimately- to support the potential of workplaces as environments that promote and support mental health.