Mental Health in the Workplace: A Call to Action Proceedings From the Mental Health in the Workplace-Public Health Summit.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to declare a call to action to improve mental health in the workplace. METHODS: We convened a public health summit and assembled an Advisory Council consisting of experts in the field of occupational health and safety, workplace wellness, and public policy to offer recommendations for action steps to improve health and well-being of workers. RESULTS: The Advisory Council narrowed the list of ideas to four priority projects. CONCLUSIONS: The recommendations for action include developing a mental health in the workplace (1) "how to" guide, (2) scorecard, (3) recognition program, and (4) executive training.

Medication adherence, comorbidities, and health risk impacts on workforce absence and job performance.

OBJECTIVE: To understand impacts of medication adherence, comorbidities, and health risks on workforce absence and job performance. METHODS: Retrospective observational study using employees' medical/pharmacy claims and self-reported health risk appraisals. RESULTS: Statin medication adherence in individuals with Coronary Artery Disease was significant predictor (P < 0.05) of decreasing absenteeism. Insulin, oral hypoglycemic, or metformin medication adherence in type 2 diabetics was significant (P < 0.05) predictor of decreasing job performance. Number of comorbidities was found as significant (P < 0.5) predictor of absenteeism in five of nine subsamples. Significant links (P < 0.05) between high health risks and lower job performance were found across all nine subsamples. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest integrated health and productivity management strategies should include an emphasis on primary and secondary prevention to reduce health risks in addition to tertiary prevention efforts of disease management and medication management.