Workplace mental health: exploring social forces that shape experience

“There is a growing body of evidence documenting the prevalence and cost of mental illness and addiction in the workplace.  This research is important, but it does not capture the day-to-day human experience of illness within the context of work,” says PhD candidate Sandra Moll. Under the direction of CAMH’s Dr. Carol Strike and Dr. Joan Eakin at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto, Sandra is conducting a new study that will fill this information gap and provide valuable information on how the social and structural dimensions of the workplace impact the experiences of staff with mental health or addictions challenges.

As Sandra explains, mental illness in the workplace has become one of the leading reasons why workers are unable to do their job.  We’re learning that illness is only part of the picture; interactions with supervisors and colleagues, organizational policies and procedures, and beliefs about health, illness and productivity may influence how someone responds to symptoms, or whether someone discloses an illness. “This is a tough, complex issue – this is about human relationships.  We need to understand the unique social experiences that make up the workplace so that we can create environments that are more responsive to peoples’ needs,” says Moll.

Sandra is currently interviewing CAMH staff who have experience with mental health or addictions challenges. She’s also interviewing people at all levels of CAMH who’ve come in contact with staff experiencing these challenges, and reviewing organizational policies and procedures. According to Sandra, it’s very important that this research looks at all aspects of working life so we can begin to understand how an organization and its culture shapes the experiences of staff.

“This is not an easy subject to talk about,” says Sandra, “but people have been very generous with their time and willing to share their experiences.  The personal stories that people have shared have been incredibly helpful in illustrating issues faced by staff across the organization."

With data collection nearing completion, Sandra will continue to work with her research advisory group to determine what to do with the findings, which she plans to finalize by September 2009.  This group, made up of 14 staff from across CAMH, will help guide decisions about the best format for information sharing, and where will it have the most impact.  “Our main goal is to start a dialogue,” says Sandra. “Hopefully this study will encourage people to start discussing what’s working and what needs improving so we can create positive change.”

 

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