Background: There is growing interest in the treatment and return-to-work of workers with labor related mental illnesses.
Aim: To perform a systematic review of practices and interventions that improve return to work.
Material and methods: Systematic literature review. Thirty articles were selected for in- depth analysis.
Results: Self efficacy perception, work motivation, a lower age and a better socioeconomic status were identified as worker-related return to work facilitators. Among work environment facilitators, good communication practices, supervisor support, a good assessment and modification of work load, adjustment of expectations, a good relationship between employers and employees and positive work experiences were identified. Treatment may improve return to work using a multidisciplinary approach, reducing stress and identifying psychosocial determinants of mental problems rather than symptoms and providing a timely health care.
Conclusions: Return to work of workers with labor related mental illnesses requires a constant sharing of information between health care workers, employers and employees to identify common therapeutic objectives.