Evaluating the Dutch ASCEND Training to Enhance Supervisors Mental Health Support Skills in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

What this Trial Is About

This trial evaluates the Dutch adaptation of the Advancing Supervisors Capacity for Mental Health at Work ASCEND group intervention for supervisors in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises SMEs in the Netherlands. The study aims to assess how the ASCEND training improves supervisors confidence, responsiveness, mental health literacy, self-care, and reduces stigma toward mental health conditions. It also examines the impact on employee mental health and work outcomes, including absenteeism, and explores factors affecting the interventions implementation and potential for wider use. Participants are divided into two groups one receives the ASCEND training delivered in person over about 8 hours in a single day, and the control group receives the training approximately 6 months later after the final follow-up. The intervention includes evidence-based content and interactive exercises facilitated by trained professionals, supported by a Manager Reference Booklet. Supervisors can participate in other training programs during the study. Participants will complete online questionnaires at multiple time points to assess outcomes such as supervisor confidence and responsiveness, stigma, mental health literacy, and self-care. Supervisees also provide data on their perceptions and mental health outcomes. Organizational absenteeism data will be collected. The study plans to enroll 74 SMEs with at least two supervisors each. Qualitative interviews and focus groups will gather further data on implementation. The total study duration includes baseline, immediate post-intervention, and follow-ups at 1 and 3 months.

Implementation of the ASCEND Training for Supervisors in Dutch Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)