Background Depression is one of the major causes for sick leave and loss of productivity at work. Many studies have investigated return to work (RTW) interventions for people with common mental disorders. However, a paucity of studies has targeted depressive symptoms in the workplace, as well as work productivity. Objectives This study presents preliminary results on a novel group intervention based on cognitive behavioral principles in order to optimize sustainable RTW, by reducing clinical symptoms (anxiety and depression) and improving work productivity. Method This pilot study followed a quasi-experimental design, with participants randomly receiving the group intervention (N = 19) or only receiving usual services (N = 11, control group). The group intervention called Healthy Minds for Sustainable RTW consists of eight sessions based on cognitive behavioral therapy principles and techniques. Outcome measures on depressive and anxiety symptoms and work productivity were administered at baseline (i.e. the start of return-to-work or gradual RTW), as well 2 months later (post-intervention), and at 6-month follow-up. Results The results did not show a time × group interaction for symptoms of depression or anxiety (p = 0.07). Those who received the group intervention however did see a within-group reduction in anxiety and depressive symptoms over time, clinically significant for the group intervention only. A significant time × group interaction for work productivity was found, with those in the intervention group improving over time compared to the control condition. Conclusion Although replication is needed, these results suggest that a brief group cognitive-behavioral intervention specifically tailored to work-related issues is promising. Future studies are warranted, particularly with larger samples and remote webconferencing delivery.

背景抑郁症是导致病假和工作效率下降的主要原因之一。许多研究调查了针对常见精神障碍患者的重返工作岗位 (RTW) 干预措施。然而，很少有研究针对工作场所的抑郁症状以及工作效率。目标本研究展示了基于认知行为原则的新型群体干预的初步结果，以通过减少临床症状（焦虑和抑郁）和提高工作效率来优化可持续的 RTW。方法这项试点研究遵循准实验设计，参与者随机接受团体干预（N = 19）或仅接受常规服务（N = 11，对照组）。名为 Healthy Minds for Sustainable RTW 的小组干预包括八个基于认知行为疗法原则和技术的课程。在基线（即开始重返工作岗位或逐步 RTW）、2 个月后（干预后）和 6 个月随访时，对抑郁和焦虑症状以及工作效率进行了结果测量。结果结果没有显示抑郁或焦虑症状的时间×组相互作用（p = 0.07）。然而，那些接受团体干预的人确实发现随着时间的推移，团体内的焦虑和抑郁症状有所减轻，这仅对团体干预具有临床意义。发现了工作效率的显着时间×组相互作用，与对照组相比，干预组的工作效率随着时间的推移而提高。结论尽管需要复制，但这些结果表明专门针对工作相关问题进行的简短的群体认知行为干预是有希望的。未来的研究是有必要的，特别是对于更大的样本和远程网络会议交付。