Managers' Influence on the Prevention of Common Mental Disorders in the Workplace

The study contributes with novel findings of the association between managers' attitudes towards subordinates with common mental disorders CMD), self-confidence in supporting these subordinates and managerial preventive actions into the area of CMD at work, today one of the most common reasons for sickness absence in many countries. ObjectiveTo investigate the association among managers' attitudes toward subordinates with common mental disorders (CMDs), self-confidence in supporting these subordinates, and managerial preventive actions (MPAs).MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among Swedish managers (n = 2988) and two types of MPAs: reviewing assignments and work situation (MPA-review), and talking about CMD at the workplace (MPA-talk). Binary logistic regression models were applied and adjusted for individual and organizational covariates.ResultsManagers with negative attitudes toward subordinates with CMD were less likely to have done both MPAs. Managers with higher self-confidence in supporting these subordinates were more likely to have done both MPAs compared with managers with lower self-confidence.ConclusionsManagerial negative attitudes toward CMD and self-confidence in supporting subordinates with CMD have a role in MPAs and should be addressed in manager training programs to encourage preventive actions.