Predictors of a healthy workplace for Swedish and English psychiatrists

Few studies have attempted to analyse the organisational aspects of the workplace that may affect the well-being of psychiatrists and even fewer have offered insights into what a positive workplace might look like. This study provides an outline of such a workplace, with reference to individual and organisational factors. In addition, a comparison is made between two European cities to check for cultural differences.

Three hundred and eighty psychiatrists from Stockholm and Birmingham responded to a previously tested questionnaire on their work environment.

Predictors of a positive workplace for psychiatrists were: high self-esteem, satisfactory support with work-related problems, lower perceived workload, positive view of leadership, low work-related exhaustion and having a sense of participation in the organisation. There were few cultural differences.

Measures should be taken to improve leadership skills for managers, to offer more support for work-related problems, and to allow psychiatrists to participate more in the organisation.