The World Health Organisation (WHO) has released its first ever global guidelines on mental health at work.
The guidelines were launched on September 28, providing evidence-based recommendations to improve mental health at work by supporting those with mental health conditions, those workers at-risk of mental health conditions and any worker regardless of their mental health status to participate and thrive at work.
WHO is the United Nations agency that connects nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable – so everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health. The guidelines have a practical application and focus on organisational level interventions, manager training and worker/employee training, individual interventions, return to work programs and vocational support programs.
An estimated 15 per cent of working age adults have a mental disorder at any point in time. Depression and anxiety are estimated to cost the global economy US $1 trillion each year, driven predominantly by lost productivity. People living with severe mental health conditions are largely excluded from work despite participation in economic activities being an important aspect for recovery.
The ambition is to create a significant change in how mental health is viewed in the work setting, to reduce the stigma associated with mental health conditions and to prevent, protect and promote, and support effective action for mental health at work.
Read the WHO Guidelines on Mental Health online
