The way jobs are designed, organized and managed has a major effect on the health and safety of workers and, according to the study: The psychosocial work environment: global developments and avenues of action – the impact is increasing and manifests itself in increased rates of cardiovascular disease and mental disorders, including suicide..
The report’s authors looked at three interrelated areas of work: the nature of the work (including requirements, responsibilities and tasks), the way it is organized and managed, and the broader workplace policies in place (such as performance and reward processes and rules preventing violence and harassment).
They estimated the figure of 840,000 deaths per year by looking at global levels of workplace risk factors: job strain, effort-reward imbalance, job insecurity, long working hours, bullying and harassment.
Scientific research shows how these risks increase the likelihood of serious health problems and the risk levels have been compared to the latest global mortality and health data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global burden of disease study to arrive at the number.
A major challenge
Many of these risks have been around for a long time, but the ILO is concerned about the effects of the current transformations taking place where we work.
These disruptions include digitalization, AI, remote working and new working arrangements which, if not properly addressed, can intensify existing problems or create new ones.
“Psychosocial risks are becoming one of the most significant occupational safety and health challenges in the modern world of work“, says Manal Azzi, Team Leader on OSH Policies and Systems at the ILO. “Improving the psychosocial working environment is essential not only to protect the mental and physical health of workers, but also to strengthen productivity, organizational performance and sustainable economic development.”
Create a healthier workplace
The report highlights that Excessive risks and deaths can be avoided if the root causes are addressedand whether psychosocial risk management is integrated into occupational safety and health systems and supported by social dialogue between governments, employers and workers.
By proactively addressing risks, the report concludes, countries and businesses can create healthier workplaces that benefit both workers and organizations, while building productivity and economic resilience.
