Perceived Workplace Health Support and Severe Psychological Distress Among Japanese Workers

Low intensity of employees' perceived workplace health support increased the incidence of severe psychological distress in a one-year follow-up study. Reinforcing workplace health-focused support, such as healthy and productive management, may have a positive impact on employee mental health. ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the extent to which the intensity of perceived workplace health support (PWHS) affected the incidence of psychological distress.MethodsAt the baseline, data from 4540 eligible participants throughout Japan were obtained using an Internet survey. Among them, 2362 participants who could be followed up 1 year after the initial study were included in the analysis. The intensity of PWHS was determined using an original questionnaire. Psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale.ResultsParticipants with high PWHS were less likely to experience severe psychological distress than those with low PWHS even after adjusting for confounding factors including work-related factors. The incidence of severe psychological distress decreased as the intensity of PWHS increased.ConclusionsEnhanced PWHS reduced psychological distress and positively affected workers' mental health.