Implementation and evaluation of a multi-level mental health promotion intervention for the workplace (MENTUPP): study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Background Well-organised and managed workplaces can be a source of wellbeing. The construction, healthcare and information and communication technology sectors are characterised by work-related stressors (e.g. high workloads, tight deadlines) which are associated with poorer mental health and wellbeing. The MENTUPP intervention is a flexibly delivered, multi-level approach to supporting small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in creating mentally healthy workplaces. The online intervention is tailored to each sector and designed to support employees and leaders dealing with mental health difficulties (e.g. stress), clinical level anxiety and depression, and combatting mental health-related stigma. This paper presents the protocol for the cluster randomised controlled trial (cRCT) of the MENTUPP intervention in eight European countries and Australia. Methods Each intervention country will aim to recruit at least two SMEs in each of the three sectors. The design of the cRCT is based on the experiences of a pilot study and guided by a Theory of Change process that describes how the intervention is assumed to work. SMEs will be randomly assigned to the intervention or control conditions. The aim of the cRCT is to assess whether the MENTUPP intervention is effective in improving mental health and wellbeing (primary outcome) and reducing stigma, depression and suicidal behaviour (secondary outcome) in employees. The study will also involve a process and economic evaluation. Conclusions At present, there is no known multi-level, tailored, flexible and accessible workplace-based intervention for the prevention of non-clinical and clinical symptoms of depression, anxiety and burnout, and the promotion of mental wellbeing. The results of this study will provide a comprehensive overview of the implementation and effectiveness of such an intervention in a variety of contexts, languages and cultures leading to the overall goal of delivering an evidence-based intervention for mental health in the workplace. Trial registration Please refer to Item 2a and registration ISRCTN14104664. Registered on 12th July 2022.

The effects of different types of organisational workplace mental health interventions on mental health and wellbeing in healthcare workers: a systematic review

“…MENTUPP focusses on SMEs in three sectors: healthcare, information and communications technology (ICT) and construction ( https://www.mentuppproject.eu/publications/ ). Based on a theory of change (Tsantila et al 2023 ), the MENTUPP intervention aims to promote wellbeing, reduce both clinical (depressive, anxiety disorders) and nonclinical (stress, burnout) mental health issues and the stigma of mental (ill-) health (Arensman et al 2023 ). A review about organisational level mental health interventions in the construction industry has been published (Greiner et al 2022 ) and a publication of a review about these type of interventions in ICT workers is currently in preparation.This systematic review was performed in order to synthesize the effectiveness of organisational interventions on mental health outcomes in healthcare workers.…”