Reducing Mental Health Stigma in the Workplace: A Meta-Analysis of The Working Mind Program in Virtual Delivery Format: Réduire la stigmatisation en milieu de travail : Une méta-analyse du programme L'esprit au travail en format virtuel.

BackgroundMental health stigma in the workplace has been widely recognized, and workplace programs have been created to improve self-awareness and resiliency, while decreasing stigma. Prior meta-analyses of The Working Mind (TWM) program suggest positive benefits. The current meta-analysis was based on the shift to online delivery of TWM during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was predicted that program outcomes would be approximately the same as in prior analyses of in person delivery of the TWM program.MethodTWM program was delivered by expert trainers to a total of 1,159 participants across six workplace settings. Participants provided informed consent and survey data, prior to, just after and 3 months after the program. Outcomes included stigma, resiliency and readiness for change. Standardized assessments were employed, consistent with prior program analyses.ResultsSignificant reductions in stigma and increases in self-reported resiliency occurred, with immediate overall effect sizes of 0.33 and 0.40, respectively. Some variability among workplace settings was observed. Males had a somewhat better result than females and people who reported worse mental health at program initiation had somewhat better results than others, but these were modest effects. The results were largely stable until the 3-month follow-up assessment period. Attrition across the study interval was considerable.ConclusionsThe virtual delivery of TWM yielded meta-analytic results that were comparable to previous in person outcomes, both in terms of immediate and 3-month assessment intervals. Some variability in outcomes was noted, and some return towards baseline was observed at the 3-month follow-up period. The issue of attrition was also noted, possibility due to effects of online fatigue and the voluntary nature of the study. Suggestions for further study of program effects are given, and workplace wellness programs are encouraged.