Stress: Therapy can stave off onset of mental illness
Offering employees stress management interventions before they start to show signs of common mental health problems prevents workplace absence, according to new research.
The British Occupational Health Research Foundation (BOHRF) analysed the results of 111 previously published papers on mental ill health in the workplace and found that stress management techniques can have a practical and beneficial effect even before symptoms emerge.
While such interventions have a generally positive effect, the researchers admitted that it is unclear whether they can actually prevent the onset of an episode of mental illness. The study also concluded that for those in a highly stressful role, the key to retaining that staff member was a targeted individual intervention, rather than a generic initiative across the organisation.
The study, which highlighted the fact that 15% to 25% of the general population are suffering with a common mental health problem at any given time, also noted that once a psychological problem has begun the most effective treatment is a brief course of individual cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Such treatments have proved most effective in employees with high control jobs.
"The cost of lost work among people with mental health problems is immense. Offering people short courses of CBT can be a highly cost-effective way of reducing sickness absence," said Brian Kazer, director of BOHRF.
"The UK does not have a specific law that requires businesses to have an occupational health policy in place and I believe that is why mental health issues can escalate in the workplace. However, the findings of this research highlight the importance of organisations applying clear policies for helping employees cope with stress," said Tim Ablett, chief executive at FirstAssist.
