Industry differences in managers’ experiences of work capacity in employees with common mental disorders: a cross-sectional study on the Swedish labour market

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess industry differences in managers' experiences and ratings of work capacity in employees with common mental disorders (CMDs). Swedish managers (N=1819) were grouped into three industry classifications. Differences between industries in managers’ experiences were investigated by chi-squared tests. The managers’ ratings of how work capacity was affected by CMDs were analysed using MANCOVA, adjusted for organizational size and managers’ span of control. The proportion of managers who had experienced several employees with CMDs was higher in municipalities and counties, and in pink-collar work, education, health and social care settings compared with other industries. There was no significant effect of industry on managers’ ratings of how work capacity may be affected by CMDs. Contrary to assumptions, there were no differences in how managers perceived capacity to work between industries. Therefore, it is more urgent that managers receive the support they need to handle employees with reduced work capacity due to CMDs rather than to tailor such support to different industries.