A quarter of workers in Europe report feeling stressed at work all or most of the time, and a similar proportion say that work affects their health negatively, a new report has revealed.
‘Psychosocial risks in Europe: Prevalence and strategies for prevention’ has been published jointly by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) and the European Foundation for the Improvement of Working and Living Conditions (Eurofound). They found fewer people report working long hours but say at the same time job insecurity has increased across Europe, and in some countries work intensity has risen in companies struggling in the economic crisis.
Director of EU-OSHA, Dr Christa Sedlatschek, said “psychosocial risks, although more sensitive, can be tackled in the same systematic way as ‘traditional’ workplace risks.”
Eurofound director Juan Menéndez-Valdés said: “Reducing psychosocial risks and protecting workers from these risks is critical for allowing longer working lives and preventing early labour market exits.” He added: “Research shows that the role of social dialogue and social partners is relevant to raise awareness and implement interventions.”