The quality of work life of people with severe mental disorders working in social enterprises: a qualitative study

The aim of this phenomenological study is to provide an in-depth understanding of the meaning that people with severe mental disorders give about their quality of work life (QWL) while working in social enterprises.

Semi-structured interviews with 14 participants were conducted. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Colaizzi’s framework for data analysis was used.

Eight sub-themes emerged and can be better understood within two larger themes: (A) interpersonal and intrapersonal aspects of QWL and (B) structural and physical aspects. Within theme A, sub-themes were (1) having a sense of belonging to the enterprise, (2) having the feeling of being a good worker, (3) establishing relationships with co-workers, and (4) establishing relationships with supervisors. Within theme B, sub-themes were (5) working tasks, (6) working conditions, (7) working environment, and (8) organizational management.

The findings highlight the importance of understanding the perspective of people with severe mental disorders regarding their QWL in order to better tailor interventions that enhance it. Although some sub-themes of QWL identified in the present study were similar to those found in previous studies conducted with other populations, a unique sub-theme of QWL was identified: having the feeling of being a good worker. Specific QWL measurement that addresses this unique sub-theme is needed when assessing QWL of people with severe mental disorders.