The Mental Health Working Group is a central research area of the Central Institute for Occupational Medicine and Maritime Medicine of the University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf and the Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection of the Free Hanseatic City of Hamburg.

The topic area of "mental health at work" is becoming increasingly important, because mental health is a central value and prerequisite for the quality of life, performance and well-being of every individual. Current developments in the world of work, which are influenced by increasing flexibilisation and digitalisation, are leading to corresponding changes in work requirements, work organisation and work environments.

Against this background, the Mental Health Working Group conducts application-oriented research and consultancy in a broad range of topics.

The current research foci of the team include the following topics:

  • Mental stress factors and strains in the world of work (e.g. in the context of digitalisation and flexibilisation).
  • Evaluation of new forms of work (e.g. virtual teamwork, use of new technologies/assistance systems)
  • Prevention and promotion of mental health in the workplace (e.g. digital health management).

Advisory services of the WG relate to the following focal points:

  • Risk assessment of mental stress
  • New forms of work and workplace concepts
  • Health-promoting work design
  • Occupational health management

We also provide support in the form of lectures and workshops on the following topics:

  • Mental stress in the workplace
  • Occupational health management
  • Stress management
  • Healthy leadership

In addition, we offer support for health-related projects through analysis, consultation and evaluation.

A comprehensive range of methods from qualitative and quantitative approaches of empirical social research is used to carry out research and counselling activities. A holistic approach of analysis, intervention and evaluation is aimed at.