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 range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

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

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1This study is focused on training supervisors in Dutch workplaces — given that I'm dealing with work-related stress or burnout, is participating in something aimed at my employer's management level actually the right fit for my situation, or would individual treatment be a better first step for me?
2The main thing this trial is measuring is whether supervisors feel more confident supporting employees with mental health issues — does that mean there's no direct treatment being offered to me personally, and if so, how might that affect my recovery?
3Since this trial is recruiting small and medium-sized businesses in the Netherlands, is my workplace even eligible to take part, and what would it actually mean for my day-to-day experience at work if my employer enrolled?
4Because this study is listed as Phase NA — meaning it's not a traditional drug or medical intervention trial — what is actually known so far about whether supervisor training programs like ASCEND lead to real improvements in employee wellbeing and reduced sickness absence?
5If my burnout or mental health symptoms are serious right now, would it make more sense to pursue established treatments or occupational health support first, rather than waiting to see whether a supervisor training program in my workplace produces results?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

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

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