Workplace mental health screening programs lack evidence of effectiveness and require post-screening interventions for improvement, according to research by the Black Dog Institute. Screening alone does not improve mental health or mitigate the adverse impacts of mental ill-health in the workplace.
The study highlights the risks of labeling distress as an illness, stigma associated with depression, and over-focusing on symptoms without treatment options. Direct referral to treatment interventions after screening shows potential in reducing mental health symptoms.
The study analyzed 11 workplace mental health screening studies and found that screening paired with feedback and advice had no detectable effect. However, screening combined with specific treatment interventions showed a small positive effect in reducing reported mental health symptoms. The provision of cognitive-behavioral therapy had the strongest impact.
The researchers call for further evaluation of workplace interventions and emphasize the importance of comprehensive mental health promotion in the workplace.
Access the research here