Toxic workplaces increase risk of depression by 300%.

http: // dx. doi. org / 10. 1136 / bmjopen-2020-044133

Commentary

This study examines the link between adverse workplace effects on mental health A year-long Australian population study found that full-time workers employed by organizations that do not prioritize the mental health of their employees have a threefold increased risk of being diagnosed with depression.

Long working hours are considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke and other conditions, but the high risk of depression due to poor management practices has drawn attention.

The University of South Australia study was led by UniSA's Psychosocial Safety Climate Observatory, the world's first research platform to investigate psychological health and safety in the workplace.

A psychosocial safety climate (PSC) is a term describing management practices and communication and participation systems that protect the mental health and safety of workers, explaining that poor mental health in the workplace is due to poor management practices, priorities and values, which flow into high job demands and low resources.

And because many negative effects can be expected, from depression to bullying to unfair treatment due to workplace influences, workers need to be mindful of them, according to the report.