25% of workers in EU feel stressed in their job

A quarter of workers across Europe feel "stressed" at work either all or most of the time, with a similar percentage saying their jobs have a negative effect on their health, an EU survey has found.

Eurofound, an agency charged with providing knowledge on social and work-related policies, examined psychosocial risks in workplaces across the continent.

It classed psychosocial risks as monotonous tasks, high work intensity, tight deadlines, work-life unbalance, violence, and harassment from the public or from colleagues.

“Repetitive and monotonous tasks are among the most prevalent risks at work, together with work intensity aspects, experienced by one quarter of workers across the EU,” said the survey.

“The same proportion of workers say that work affects their health negatively. However, some aspects of the work environment, such as work–life balance and having career prospects, contribute to better health and well being. Although the prevalence of workers working long hours is decreasing, work–life balance remains a problem for one fifth of European workers.”

Eurofound said that while fewer people report working long hours, job insecurity has increased across Europe and, in some countries, work intensity has increased at companies struggling in the economic crisis. In particular, managers of small companies find it difficult to tackle psychosocial risks due to lack of resources or expertise.

“Reducing psychosocial risks and protecting workers from these risks is critical for allowing longer working lives and preventing early labour market exits,” said Eurofound director Juan Menéndez-Valdés.

“Evidence shows policies are not developed to the same extent in all European countries, which can be explained by the different traditions of social dialogue and different governmental approaches, often related to the importance the country gives to psychosocial risks.

“Research shows the role of social dialogue and social partners is relevant to raise awareness and implement interventions.”