Take Home Messages:

Stress, anxiety and depression are major issues for employees and cost businesses billions of dollars in lost productivity.

Greater knowledge, increased self-confidence and improved skills are important in the prevention of workplace anxiety and depression.

A web-based approach in managing stress and mood disorders is beneficial in reducing stress and binge drinking. 

Such programs can increase the awareness of identification, prevention and treatment options for mental health problems and improve attitudes toward seeking help.
 

Why the research matters: 

Stress and mental illness in the workplace have a substantial effect on employee health and productivity. Mental health problems such as substance abuse, depression and anxiety account for a large majority of workplace costs. It is estimated that stressed employees have 46% higher health care costs than their non-stressed peers. Businesses can save billions of dollars in productivity costs through effective management of this area.
 

What the research involved:

This study recruited a total of 309 working adults. A proportion of this group participated in the 'Stress and Mood Management' web-based program. The rest of the group did not participate and were used as the 'control' or baseline group. Participants using the web-based program were given access to the program for three months.

The program used different cognitive-behavioural techniques such as:

• Goal setting;

•  Problem solving;

• Identifying and testing negative; thoughts;

• Relaxation; and 

• Time management.

A questionnaire was administered to all the participants at the start and end of the 3 month period. Questions were asked regarding:

• Knowledge – early identification, prevention and treatment of stress, anxiety and mood disorders; 
• Attitude toward psychological help; 
• Confidence in managing feelings of anxiety and depression; 
• Behavioural and physical aspects of stress; 
• Mood – positive and negative; 
• Depression; 
• Anxiety; 
• Negative coping – alcohol and drug use in response to stress; 
• Binge drinking – changing habits;
• Work productivity; 
• Program usage; and 
• Program evaluation.
   

Summary of research findings:

The results of the study showed that the web-based stress and mood management program had a positive effect on stress and behavioural health problems. Compared to the control group, participants using the website showed:

• Reductions on measures of stress and binge drinking; 

• Increased understanding of identification, prevention and treatment options for mental health problems; and 

• A more positive attitude toward seeking outside help.

The web-based program not only helped to reduce stress and substance abuse, but also improved skills and knowledge on how to handle depression and anxiety. 

Original research: 

A web-based approach to managing stress and mood disorders in the workforce.
Billings DW, Cook RF, Hendrickson A, Dove DC.
Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine 2008;50:960-8.Link to Pubmed abstract