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  Throughout the OECD, mental ill-health is increasingly recognised as a problem for social and labour market policy; a problem that is creating significant costs for people, relatives, employers and the economy at large. Norway has a great potential in adressing the challenges of mental ill-health and work: A strong emphasis on inclusion and inter-sectoral co-operation; a social security reform having brought all employment services under one roof; very high expenditures on education and health care as well as a strong focus on prevention and health promotion in schools and workplaces. Finally, the vocational rehabilitation system is sound and diversified. However, Norwegian sickness and disability rates are the highest in the OECD. Norway will have to overhaul its approach to mental health issues in the workplace in order to help more people find a job or stay in work, and cut high and rising public spending. This also involves a strengthened co-operation between school, health and rehabilitation services. The financial incentives should ensure that all actors become more interrested in retaing people with mental health problems at work. The current welfare system is a trap for workers with mental health problems. 

Executive summary (free pdf)
Assessment and recommendations (free PDF)
Chapter 1. Mental health and work challenges in Norway (abstract | figures)
Chapter 2. Reconsidering Norwegian sickness absence policies (abstract | figures)
Chapter 3. Revising disability benefit assessment procedures and eligibility criteria in Norway (abstract | figures)
Chapter 4. Enhaning the effectiveness of Norway’s vocational rehabilitation system (abstract | figures)
Chapter 5. Involving mental health care in Norway in employment issues (abstract | figures)
Chapter 6. Following up in the school-to-work transition in Norway (abstract | figures)

 

• Press release in English | in French

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• The OECD Mental Health and Work project
• Mental Health and Work Expert Seminar - Lessons from the First Country Reports
• Sick on the Job? Myths and Realities about Mental Health and Work