Training supervisors in Dutch SMEs to support mental health at work
Cluster RCT of the WHO's Advancing Supervisor Capabilities for Mental Health at Work (ASCEND) in Dutch Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)
This study tests if training supervisors in small and medium-sized businesses in the Netherlands can help them better support their employees' mental health and reduce absenteeism.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 148 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VU University of Amsterdam Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Amsterdam) |
| Trial ID | NCT06989398 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This cluster randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of the ASCEND intervention, which trains workplace supervisors in Dutch Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to better support their employees' mental health. The intervention aims to enhance supervisors' confidence, mental health literacy, and ability to advocate for mental health initiatives. Data will be collected through online questionnaires from both supervisors and their supervisees, with a focus on measuring changes in mental health outcomes and absenteeism rates. The study also includes a qualitative evaluation phase to gather insights from participants.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are supervisors and their supervisees working in SMEs in the Netherlands, particularly those who can communicate in Dutch or English.
Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those working in organizations with fewer than 10 employees or those not located in the Netherlands.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve workplace mental health support, leading to better employee well-being and reduced absenteeism.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar interventions aimed at improving workplace mental health, indicating a promising approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion for SMEs: * Having 10 to 250 employees * Being located in the Netherlands In case of insufficient recruitment among SMEs, a mitigation strategy is to recruit individual departments from larger organizations. Eligibility criteria for individual participants: Supervisors are included if they fit the following inclusion criteria: * 18 years or older * Working in an organization in the Netherlands * Sufficient mastery (written and spoken) of the language in which the ASCEND intervention is being delivered (i.e., Dutch or English) * Written informed consent before entering the study * Supervise at least 1 supervisee within the same organization Supervisees are included if they fit the following inclusion criteria: * 18 years or older * Have a direct supervisor who is participating in ASCEND (either intervention or control group) * Sufficient mastery of English or Dutch * Written informed consent before entering the study
Where this trial is running
Amsterdam
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam — Amsterdam, Netherlands (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mark van Vugt, PhD — VU University of Amsterdam
- Study coordinator: Amber S Brizar, MSc
- Email: a.s.brizar@vu.nl
- Phone: +31 20 59 82587
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.