Affiliations: Rehabilitation Services, Royal Alexandra Hospital,
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada | Department of Occupational Science and Occupational
Therapy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Gill Chard, PhD, BSc(Hons), DipCOT,
Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Brookfield Health
Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland. Tel.: +353 21 490 1536; Fax:
+353 21 490 1546; E-mail: g.chard@ucc.ie
Abstract: Background: The impact of depression in the workplace is
significant. If managers and employees understood depression better they could
assist those with depression to achieve optimal work performance. Method: The case study was a medium-sized, privately owned
forest products company located in western Canada. Individual interviews were
used to explore the views of employees and managers about depression and its
impact on work performance. Findings: Suggest that how one perceives workplace support for
depression is influenced by the interaction of the following factors: a)
knowledge and understanding of depression, b) roles and responsibilities within
the work environment, and c) perceptions of work role boundaries. Conclusion: Better links are needed between employees and
managers to enhance workplace collaborations and achieve optimal work
performance. The implementation of mental health support programs and the
vocational role of occupational therapy in addressing the impact of depression
in the workplace are discussed.
Keywords: Attitudes, depression, workplace, mental health literacy, case study, occupational therapy
