MULTILEVEL INTERVENTIONS TO PROMOTE MENTAL HEALTH IN SMEs AND PUBLIC WORKPLACES

Project Information

H-WORK

Grant agreement ID: 847386

DOI

10.3030/847386

Project closed

EC signature date 21 November 2019

Start date 1 January 2020

End date 30 September 2023

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Health, demographic change and well-being

Total cost

€ 3 987 000,00

EU contribution

€ 3 987 000,00

Coordinated by

ALMA MATER STUDIORUM - UNIVERSITA DI BOLOGNA
Italy

Periodic Reporting for period 3 - H-WORK (MULTILEVEL INTERVENTIONS TO PROMOTE MENTAL HEALTH IN SMEs AND PUBLIC WORKPLACES)

Reporting period: 2023-01-01 to 2023-09-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The H-WORK project addresses a critical issue in the European Union: 22% of EU workers' health problems contribute to approximately 60 million lost working days annually. This represents a substantial challenge in workplace productivity and employee well-being.
The impact of this issue is significant for society as it not only affects economic productivity but also has profound implications for the mental health and quality of life of workers. Addressing this problem is crucial for building healthier work environments, enhancing employee satisfaction, and fostering overall societal well-being.
The primary objectives of the H-WORK project are multifaceted, aiming to develop, implement, and validate comprehensive toolkits designed for public organizations and SMEs. These objectives include:
1. Developing the H-WORK Toolkits: Comprising the H-WORK Assessment Toolkit (HAT), Intervention Toolkit (HIT), and Evaluation Toolkit (HET). 2. Implementing these toolkits in diverse workplace settings. 3. Validating the sustainability and effectiveness of these toolkits. 4. Promoting the toolkits through strategic communication and dissemination efforts.
These objectives are geared towards providing innovative solutions and guidance for workplace mental health, thereby addressing the identified issue and its societal importance.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During the duration of the H-WORK project, a series of Work Packages (WPs) were diligently carried out, each contributing significantly to the project’s success:
Work Package 1: Focused on project management and coordination, this package was overseen by the H-WORK Consortium's General Assembly and Steering Committee. They meticulously managed scientific activities through online meetings, ensuring smooth project progression.
Work Package 2: Led by UJI in collaboration with UNIBO, WP2 was instrumental in developing the theoretical foundation for the H-WORK Toolkits. This included crafting the H-WORK theoretical framework, an in-depth review of digital technologies for workplace mental health, and an examination of EU and national mental health policies.
Work Package 3: Under the leadership of NTNU, WP3 was dedicated to the development and validation of the H-WORK Assessment Toolkit (HAT). This involved analyzing data from intervention sites and delivering comprehensive reports on intervention outcomes at various stages.
Work Package 4: UVA spearheaded WP4, which aimed to implement and validate the H-WORK Intervention Toolkit (HIT) at multiple intervention sites. This included integrating designed interventions, leveraging consortium expertise, and utilizing scientific literature. The HIT was developed to provide a detailed overview of all interventions and guide users in its application.
Work Package 5: Focused on evaluating the impact of interventions, WP5 led to the development and validation of the H-WORK Evaluation Toolkit (HET). KI played a pivotal role by conducting cost-effectiveness and economic analyses, resulting in the creation of the H-WORK Economic Calculator.
Work Package 6: This package involved the development and validation of the H-WORK Innovation Platform, which features various tools and ROI calculators for workplace mental health prevention and promotion. User testing was conducted to ensure usability.
Work Package 7:WP7 was pivotal in promoting the project’s activities, policies, and products. EFPA and ENWHP contributed significantly to the dissemination efforts, reaching practitioners and policymakers through various communication channels, including a website, newsletters, and social media. Importantly, WP7 produced 10 policy briefs, each addressing specific mental health challenges in the workplace.
Work Package 8: Managed by GETON, WP8 focused on data management and security. This included the development of a Data Management Plan (DMP) and the establishment of a secure infrastructure for the H-WORK Databank. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, GETON successfully finalized the DMP and secured the data.
Work Package 9: Led by UNIBO, we established a comprehensive ethical framework for the H-WORK project activities.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Progress Beyond the State of the Art and Results: Despite pandemic challenges, the H-WORK project successfully completed research and interventions at 10 sites in five European countries, engaging over 3000 participants. The H-WORK project has made significant advancements beyond the current state of the art in workplace mental health management. This includes the development of comprehensive toolkits specifically tailored for public organizations and SMEs, addressing a wide range of mental health issues in the workplace. The project's innovative approach combines theoretical frameworks with practical tools, such as the H-WORK Assessment Toolkit (HAT), Intervention Toolkit (HIT), and Evaluation Toolkit (HET), which are a step ahead of existing methods in terms of comprehensiveness, applicability, and ease of use. The policy briefs produced offer actionable guidance for integrating mental health strategies in workplaces. The tools for mental health promotion are available in seven European languages on the H-WORK Innovation Platform.
Socio-Economic Impact: The H-WORK project is poised to have significant socio-economic impacts. By reducing the number of lost working days due to mental health issues, it can contribute to increased productivity and economic gains for organizations. Improved mental health in the workplace also leads to lower healthcare costs and reduced burden on social welfare systems.
Wider Societal Implications: The project's implications extend beyond the economic realm. By promoting mental health in the workplace, H-WORK contributes to a more positive societal attitude towards mental health. This can lead to a reduction in stigma associated with mental health issues and encourage a more inclusive and supportive work environment. The tools and strategies developed can be adapted to various cultural contexts within Europe, promoting a more unified approach to workplace mental health across the continent.