RecruitingNot Applicable

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

Netherlands148 participantsStarted 2025-05-14

Plain-language summary

This cluster randomized controlled trial (cRCT) aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an in-person group intervention for workplace supervisors - Advancing Supervisors' Capacity for Mental Health at Work (ASCEND) - in Dutch Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). The ASCEND intervention is designed to equip supervisors with the skills to: i) know when to support their workers; ii) how to direct workers to support, and iii) advocate for action on mental health at work. The primary objectives of this project are to: * Assess to what extent the novel, WHO-developed ASCEND intervention is effective in enhancing supervisors' confidence, responsiveness, mental health literacy, and SelfCare practices, and in reducing supervisor stigma towards mental health conditions within Dutch SMEs. * Evaluate the impact of the ASCEND intervention on employee outcomes, including mental health and work-related outcomes among supervisees (i.e., subordinates), as well as overall organizational absenteeism rates. * Identify barriers, facilitators, and key implementation and adoption indicators to support future opportunities for scaling up the ASCEND intervention in the context of Dutch SMEs. Researchers will compare two groups to evaluate the effectiveness of the ASCEND intervention. One group will receive the training (the intervention group), while the other group will receive the training after the final follow-up period (the control group). Data will be collected from both supervisors and their supervisees (i.e., subordinates) via online questionnaires at various time points. In addition, general organizational information, including absenteeism rates, will be gathered through a representative from each participating organization. To further explore the feasibility of scaling up the ASCEND intervention within the Netherlands, qualitative data will be collected through interviews and/or focus group discussions.

Who can participate

Age range18 Years

SexALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion for SMEs: * Having 10 to 250 employees * Being located in the Netherlands In case of insufficient recruitment among SMEs, a mitigation strategy is to recruit individual departments from larger organizations. Eligibility criteria for individual participants: Supervisors are included if they fit the following inclusion criteria: * 18 years or older * Working in an organization in the Netherlands * Sufficient mastery (written and spoken) of the language in which the ASCEND intervention is being delivered (i.e., Dutch or English) * Written informed consent before entering the study * Supervise at least 1 supervisee within the same organization Supervisees are included if they fit the following inclusion criteria: * 18 years or older * Have a direct supervisor who is participating in ASCEND (either intervention or control group) * Sufficient mastery of English or Dutch * Written informed consent before entering the study

What they're measuring

Supervisor confidence in supporting employees with mental health conditions

Timeframe: Change from baseline to 1-hour post-intervention, 1 month, and 3 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06989398

SponsorVU University of Amsterdam

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-09

Contact for this trial

Amber S Brizar, MSc

+31 20 59 82587 a.s.brizar@vu.nl