Working conditions and mental health of employees suffering from common mental disorders in Germany with special consideration to the migration generation.

PURPOSE: This study examines working conditions, mental health and their association among mentally burdened employees in Germany attending psychotherapeutic consultation at work, considering first- and second-generation migrants.

METHODS

Baseline data from a randomized controlled trial on psychotherapeutic consultation at work (friaa study) were analyzed. Using χ²- and two-sided t-tests and one-way ANOVAs, differences between individuals with and without migration background (MB) as well as individuals without MB and first- and second-generation migrants were assessed regarding working conditions (self-constructed questions, five scales of the COPSOQ, PSC) and depressive (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-2) and somatic symptoms (SSS-8). Associations between working conditions and mental health were calculated for the entire sample and separately for individuals with and without MB using linear regression analyses.

RESULTS

Among 549 participants (54.8% female, mean age: 45.9 years (SD = 11.0), 12.4% had a MB. Individuals with MB more often worked in jobs associated with lower socio-economic status (blue-collar work: p=.008, fewer subordinates: p<.001, less possibilities for development: p=.004). Poorer work environment (especially in individuals without MB) (all βs≥0.124, all ps≤0.008) and quantitative job demands (especially in individuals with MB) (all βs≥0.118, all ps≤0.071, partially only statistical trends) were associated with worse mental health. Higher possibilities for development (in individuals with and without MB) (all βs≥-0.102, all ps≤0.071), social support (all βs≥-0.111, all ps≤0.016) and psychosocial safety climate (all βs≥-0.104, all ps≤0.044) (both especially in individuals without MB) were related to better mental health.

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest the importance of improving and tailoring working conditions to employees' needs, including consideration of MB.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Registered at the German Clinical Trial Register (DRKS) at 01.03.2021 (DRKS00023049).