Conversations about mental health in the workplace have increased significantly, driven by a growing recognition of its influence on both employee and organizational performance. As researchers in occupational health, these discussions have allowed us to explore the causes and effects of mental health difficulties. One crucial but frequently overlooked area is the connection between mental health issues and workplace injuries—a relationship that operates in both directions: mental health struggles can increase the risk of injuries, while injuries at work can exacerbate or initiate mental health difficulties. We set out to explore this vital two-way relationship because it affects the sustainability of an organization’s most important asset: its people. Mental health problems and workplace injuries lead to significant costs for organizations and society, and cause immense suffering for individuals, their families, workplaces, and broader support networks.
While the expenses linked to work injuries and mental health issues vary greatly, evidence suggests that having both can multiply medical costs and time lost by two to ten times. Despite their impact, the important link between work injuries and mental health has only been examined sporadically across various disciplines, which rarely communicate with each other—until now. Our extensive meta-analysis, which includes a global sample of more than 1.4 million participants across 147 studies since 1988, emphasizes the importance of integrated approaches to physical and psychological well-being in the workplace. Meta-analytical studies like this are crucial because they involve systematically collecting and summarizing all existing quantitative research. This method helps us combine and refine the findings from multiple studies to offer a clearer view of our current understanding. Our findings indicate that the relationship between work injuries and mental health varies depending on whether mental health issues or workplace injuries occur first.
A stronger, more robust connection appears when work injuries occur before mental health challenges, while a smaller yet still meaningful link exists when mental health struggles occur before work injuries. When a work injury happens, the immediate attention is often on physical healing. However, the psychological impact of injuries should not be ignored. The sudden disruption caused by a work injury can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression. This psychological distress can arise from several factors, such as pain, stigma, and uncertainty about one’s ability to continue working. Our analysis shows that negative thoughts, such as rumination, often emerge after work injuries and greatly contribute to the development of mental health issues. These negative thoughts can create a downward spiral, mentally trapping the injured person in their situation and further delaying their recovery. Interestingly, the relationship is not one-way. Our research also indicates that mental health challenges are linked to a higher likelihood of sustaining a work injury. Individuals dealing with mental health issues often experience decreased cognitive functioning, increased distractibility, and impaired decision-making abilities, making routine tasks more challenging to handle. These factors can increase the risk of workplace injuries. For instance, an employee suffering from severe depression might find it difficult to focus on tasks, increasing the risk of missing potential dangers or misjudging risky situations. The stigma related to their mental health condition might also discourage the employee from seeking the help or accommodations they need, further heightening their risk of work injuries.
The interconnected nature of work injuries and mental health challenges underscores the need for holistic rehabilitation approaches. Incorporating psychological care into rehabilitation is essential for enhancing overall well-being and preventing the recurrence of injuries. Employers and policymakers should consider implementing programs that cater to both the physical and mental health needs of employees. This involves making mental health services accessible and well-known, encouraging a safe and supportive work environment, and implementing strategies to alleviate workplace stress. By adopting a human sustainability approach that prioritizes physical, psychological, and social health through prevention rather than reaction, the cycle of work injuries and mental health challenges can be broken. This could ultimately result in healthier and more productive workplaces. Our study lays the foundation for future research and interventions focused on reducing the impact of work injuries on mental health and vice versa.
Recognizing this two-way relationship is the first step in creating more effective interventions and support systems. Understanding the underlying mechanisms, such as negative thoughts and perceived job demands, is crucial when designing targeted interventions that address the root causes of these issues. Additionally, understanding factors that affect the connection between work injuries and mental health—such as the severity or frequency of injuries, the types of mental health challenges that may arise, and specific vulnerable groups—can provide insightful information for developing strategies tailored to these needs.