In Canada, the cost associated with the health care and loss of productivity attributable to mental problems is several billion dollars annually. The most common problems include major depression, whose lifetime incidence is between 7% and 9% of the adult population. Despite the emergence of return-to-work programs intended for people with mental problems, only a small proportion of these people return to work.

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate, with four groups of key actors (employers, immediate superiors, union representatives and people with depression), the aspects that promote the return to work of people who have been diagnosed with major depression. This study will evaluate the perceptions, experiences and actions of employers, immediate superiors and union representatives regarding the return to work of people with major depression. The latter will also be interviewed about their perceptions, experiences and actions during their return-to-work process.

The results will allow a better identification of the components to be considered during these individuals’ return-to-work process and the best interventions for facilitating a sustainable return to work.