POHODA means 'wellbeing' in Slovak language therefore this project aims to Promote Mental Health in the Workplace from an Interdisciplinary Perspective.
Category:
ENLIGHT Thematic Network
University:
Comenius University Bratislava
Period:
2024-2027
The ENLIGHT Thematic Network *POHODA* (Promoting Mental Health in the Workplace from an Interdisciplinary Perspective) addresses mental health in the workplace through collaborative, transnational and interdisciplinary research and practice. It brings together experts in psychology, health, organizational behavior and political science from Comenius University (Slovakia), Uppsala University (Sweden) and Ghent University (Belgium).
The network aims to develop evidence-based and context-sensitive mental health interventions, practical guidelines for organizations, and training programs for workplace leaders. Through a series of interdisciplinary workshops, POHODA will explore key issues such as workplace mental health programs, program evaluation, communication and dissemination - culminating in the co-creation of a tailored mental health support program that is adaptable to different organizational settings. POHODA also aims to transfer academic knowledge into practice. To this end, the network will develop practical guidelines for employers and pilot training sessions for HR professionals and managers. In addition, the project aims to secure external funding to sustain long-term research and expand its impact. By promoting international collaboration, supporting early career researchers and fostering gender balanced and inclusive research environments, POHODA aligns with the ENLIGHT flagship area of health and well-being. It contributes to the ENLIGHT mission by increasing mental health awareness and resilience in workplaces across Europe, thereby improving individual well-being and organisational productivity.
Participants and Stakeholders
Coordinator
Comenius University Bratislava
Other Partner Institutions
Uppsala University
Ghent University
Team Composition
The project team collaborates on activities and each member has a primary responsibility.
Comenius University Bratislava
Elena Lisá, Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences, Institute of Applied Psychology (ETN coordinator; creating a mental health program, running the program, creating training program for leaders/HR)
Lenka Sokolová, Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences, Institute of Applied Psychology: (creating and delivering the trainings to organizations – knowledge transfer)
Marta Kahancová, Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences, Institute of Public Policy: (creating the policy recommendations for organizations, communicating with organizations)
Lucia Konečná, Tamara Selecká, - Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences, Institute of Applied Psychology: Active participation in interdisciplinary workshops, collecting and analyzing data, assisting in the dissemination and communication of results, assisting in the preparation of proposals for external funding.
Uppsala University
Erik Olsson, Niclas Almén - Department of Women's and Children's Health, Cardiovascular Psychology: Responsible for program evaluation and feasibility, making policy recommendations to organizations, running the program
Ghent University
Gosia Kozusznik, Eveline Schollaert - Faculty of Economics and Business Administration Department of Marketing, Innovation and Organization: Responsible for the marketing strategy and communication of the program, communication with organizations, running the program
Objectives
The POHODA project has four main objectives, each designed to promote mental health in the workplace through interdisciplinary and international collaboration:
- To stimulate interdisciplinary and international debate: Facilitate dialogue among researchers in psychology, health care, public policy, and organizations to explore workplace mental health from multiple perspectives.
- Develop a workplace mental health program and practical recommendations: Create and pilot a tailored mental health program that addresses issues such as stress, burnout, depression and psychological safety; develop clear, adaptable guidelines for organizations.
- Prepare for future research and external funding: Build a foundation for follow-on projects and submit new project proposal to expand the research and its impact.
- Support knowledge transfer to organizations: Train managers and HR professionals through dedicated sessions and leadership program that translate research findings into practical tools for improving organizational well-being.
Contact
Contact person
Elena Lisá, project coordinator,
Highlights of the Project
My personal highlight of the POHODA project is its genuine commitment to bridging research and practice through interdisciplinary, international collaboration. What stands out most is the creation of a tailored mental health support program, developed with input from psychology, health, and policy, that is not just theoretical, but designed to be piloted, evaluated, and implemented in diverse workplace settings. This practical, impact-driven approach, especially the involvement of early-career researchers and the transfer of knowledge to real organizational leaders, shows strong potential for lasting change in how we understand and promote mental health in the workplace. - Coordinator
Additional Information
The POHODA-ETN project is characterised by its interdisciplinary approach, linking policy frameworks, cardiovascular and psychological health, and HRM/organizational behavior to comprehensively address mental health at work. Bringing together the three ENLIGHT universities, Comenius, Uppsala and Ghent, enables international collaboration across disciplines and regions. The project will result in concrete and practical outcomes, such as an internationally validated program to support employees' mental health, recommendations for employers, and training for managers and HR professionals. The project also aims at long-term sustainability through the preparation of grant applications for external funding. It will also promote effective transfer of knowledge into practice through close cooperation with stakeholders, public institutions, companies or the non-profit sector, ensuring direct societal impact and usability of the results.