Workplace culture for forensic mental health services: a mixed methods descriptive study

Workplace culture is theorized to involve a combination of elements such as assumptions, beliefs, and values. An effective workplace culture is safe and person-centred, which enables staff to flourish. However, there is no empirical evidence describing or informing workplace culture for forensic mental health settings.

The mixed methods approach is used to describe current indicators of, and perspectives on, workplace culture and understandings of ideal workplace culture for forensic mental health services. Participants responded to a literature informed survey (N = 482) enquiring about workplace psychological health and teamwork, and some (N = 72) participated in follow-up focus group discussions.

Psychological health was less positive for staff working in clinical compared with non-clinical roles (p < 0.01, d = 0.80). Teamwork was positive (M = 27.2, SD = 7.6). Five themes emerged from the focus group data: psychological safety and trust, siloing, passion for the job, service structures (including system issues, resourcing, and support), and staffing. Ideal workplace culture in forensic mental health services could be supported by avoiding a culture of blame, maintaining passion for the job, and supporting good communication.

There is a potential opportunity for forensic mental health services to strengthen workplace culture by improving multi-agency communication methods, improving recognition of employee expertise and achievements, and supporting reasonable risk-taking.