Mental Health in Hybrid Workplaces

Mental illness is now the leading cause of long-term sickness absence and incapacity in high-income countries. In recent years,  the work environment has rapidly changed for many organisations to encompass hybrid working arrangements, however there is limited research examining how these changes impact worker mental health and whether existing workplace mental health interventions remain relevant for this growing feature of the modern workplace. 

Through international collaboration with our partners at Aarhus University, this PhD project will examine differences and similarities between Australian and Danish workers to a) determine the impacts of work from home and hybrid working on peoples’ mental health, and, b) understand what organisational practices and leadership strategies best support sustainable workforce participation for various types of workers. This will include looking at those returning to hybrid work following a period of parental leave. Findings will inform government policy, leadership development programs, and workplace mental health initiatives.