Abstract
Background: There is an increasing tendency for poor mental health both globally and in the Faroe Islands. According to the first Faroese public health survey, 25% of the 25-34-year-olds are at risk of longterm sickness due to poor mental health, measured by stress. With the increased pres-sure being imposed on individuals in their work in line with the development of society, there is a risk that the mental health of employees will deteriorate. The municipality of Torshavn chose to implement the ABC (Act-Belong-Commit) to promote the mental health of their employees.
Aim: The purpose of this project is to develop a decision base for the implementation of ABC at a public workplace in the Faroe Islands to promote the mental health of the employees
Design and Method: Through a multidisciplinary approach, MRC's guidelines are used as the overall framework in the preparation of a decision base for the development and implementation of ABC in a public workplace in the Faroe Islands. A qualitative interview study which uses Berkman et al.'s conceptual model is used to further develop ABC. Likewise, a literature study is used to uncover existing evidence, in relation to the further development of ABC. The qualitative study is also used along with Dahler-Larsen's theory of impact assessment as a basis for recommendations in relation to pilot tests and evaluation of the intervention. Finally, the qualitative study and literature study together with Kotter's theory is used to describe the optimal implementation process.
Results: The qualitative study showed that to promote a change in the workplace in terms of better mental health, employees should be involved in the development of activities and that managers should have the necessary skills to lead the process. There are several different activities that can positively influence the mental health of employees, but what is especially important for men-tal health is that the activities are carried out together, as employees provide social support to each other.
Conclusion: It is derived from both the empirical material and theory that there are many options in adapting and implementing ABC in a public workplace. ABC must be adapted to the specific context in which it is to be implemented, which is done by involving the employees’ perspective in the development and implementation of the intervention.