Efficacy of an Online Workplace Mental Health Accommodations Psychoeducational Course: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Yvonne Nichole Faller 1,* , Vanessa Peynenburg 1, Eric Tessier 1 , David Thiessen 2 and Heather D. Hadjistavropoulos 1
(1) Department of Psychology, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada; vanessa.peynenburg@uregina.ca (V.P.); tessiere@uregina.ca (E.T.); heather.hadjistavropoulos@uregina.ca (H.D.H.). (2) Department of Mathematics & Statistics, University of Regina, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada; thiesdav@uregina.ca (*) Correspondence: nichole.faller@uregina.ca
Abstract: Workplace accommodations can improve work functioning for employees with mental health concerns, yet few employees receive accommodations. The current study examined the bene- fits of providing education on workplace accommodations. In total, 89 participants with symptoms of depression and/or anxiety were randomized to an online psychoeducation course or wait-list control (WLC). The course provided education on symptoms, accommodations, tips for requesting accommo- dations and making disclosures, and coping strategies. Primary outcomes included the impact of the course on requesting and receiving accommodations, accommodation knowledge, self-stigma, and workplace relationships at 8 weeks post-randomization. Additional analyses examined the impact of the course on symptoms, absenteeism, presenteeism, and self-efficacy and whether supervisory leadership and organizational inclusivity impact disclosure and accommodation use. Participants in the course reported improvements in accommodation knowledge, self-efficacy, and presenteeism compared to the WLC. Both groups reported reduced self-stigma and increased disclosures over time. Specifically, partial disclosures were associated with supportive organizations and supervisors. No group differences were found on accommodation use, symptoms, workplace relationships, or comfort with disclosure. Few participants made accommodation requests, therefore a statistical analysis on requesting or receiving accommodations was not performed. Overall, providing psychoeducation has the potential to assist individuals with depression and anxiety who may require workplace accommodations, but further research is required.
Keywords: workplace mental health; workplace accommodations; online psychoeducation
