5th Transnational Workshop of the "MentalHealthMatters"

Description

On September 25, 2024, the 5th Transnational Workshop of the "MentalHealthMatters" project convened in Stockholm, with participation from project partners representing Estonia, Latvia, Finland, Poland, Sweden, and Norway. This workshop served as a platform for sharing impactful practices and advancing the project’s core initiatives aimed at improving workplace mental health.

The centrepiece of the workshop was a series of presentations where each partner highlighted a good practice from their country addressing psychosocial risks in workplaces. Poland showcased the widespread adoption of the ISO45003 standard and the strategic management model #dobrzewpracy, developed by Makowskapracuje. Latvia presented its National Preventive Action Plan on Occupational Safety and Health, while Norway detailed its Working Environment Initiative. Finland introduced its Work Ability Support Model for workplaces, and Estonia highlighted two innovative efforts: the Peaasi.ee platform and the Golden Label initiative.

During the following discussions, participants reflected on the contextual factors that contribute to the success of such practices, including political decisions, societal trends, and research advancements, which often create environments conducive to innovation. Promotion and communication were also emphasized, as these activities amplify the visibility and recognition of promising practices, helping them achieve broader societal impact. Participants acknowledged the challenges in measuring the effectiveness of workplace mental health initiatives. Sustained efforts were deemed critical, as meaningful impacts in workforce mental health take time to materialize. However, the short-term nature of many innovation-driven activities remains a significant hurdle to realizing their full potential.

The workshop also advanced the development of the First Aid Kit, a practical tool designed to assist small and medium-sized enterprises in addressing psychosocial risks. Progress was made on the web design, layout, and content structure, and partners agreed on the need for a detailed communication plan and an engaging introduction video. A dedicated working group will spearhead these efforts, with pilot testing of the web platform planned before its official launch.

Looking ahead, preliminary discussions about the project’s closing event began, with Riga emerging as a potential venue. As the project moves toward its conclusion, the 5th Transnational Workshop reaffirmed the collective commitment to fostering healthier and more resilient workplaces through collaboration, innovation, and sustained action.

Period	25 Sept 2024
Event type	Workshop
Location	Stockholm, SwedenShow on map
Degree of Recognition	International