Protecting and promoting mental health in the workplace: developing a systems approach to job stress.
OBJECTIVE
Job stress has been linked to a wide range of adverse effects on mental, physical, and organisational health. Despite the evidence that systems approaches are most effective in reducing the adverse impact of job stress, prevalent practice is dominated by worker- or individual-focused strategies in the absence of commensurate intervention on working conditions.


METHODS
A literature review and cross-disciplinary conceptual synthesis were combined in the articulation of a systems approach to job stress.


RESULTS
An outline of the job stress process is followed by explanation of how a systems approach addresses the various steps in the stress process. Systems approaches to job stress emphasise primary prevention or focusing on stressors as the upstream determinants of job stress. Additionally, systems approaches integrate primary with worker-directed secondary and illness-directed tertiary intervention, include the meaningful participation of groups targeted by intervention, and are context-sensitive. Systems approach intervention principles are illustrated by concrete examples of intervention strategies and activities.


CONCLUSIONS
Further efforts are needed to promote, disseminate, implement, and evaluate systems approaches to job stress and to improve cross-disciplinary co-operation in this effort.
LaMontagne
Anthony D
AD
McCaughey Centre, VicHealth Centre for the Promotion of Mental Health and Community Wellbeing, School of Population Health, University of Melbourne, Victoria. alamonta@unimelb.edu.au
Keegel
Tessa
T
Vallance
Deborah
D
D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008603:Mental Health; D016272:Occupational Health; D016134:Organizational Policy; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy*; D017132:Workplace / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*