Sonia Nawrocka, researcher in health, safety, and working conditions at the European Trade Union Institute, reflects on the mental health crisis among European workers and the measures needed to address this crisis
Mental health stands as a cornerstone of thriving and productive societies. However, the state of mental wellbeing among European workers has taken a concerning turn for the worse in recent years. Even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 84 million individuals in the European Union grappled with mental health disorders, translating to roughly one in six people. Fast forward to the present day, the pandemic, coupled with post-pandemic economic downturns, environmental crises, and geopolitical tensions, has only exacerbated these challenges. According to a recent Eurobarometer survey conducted in June 2023, nearly half of the EU population – 46% to be exact – reported experiencing emotional or psychosocial issues such as depression and anxiety within the past year. This alarming surge begs the question: Are we facing a mental health crisis, and what measures does Europe have in place to tackle it?
What is driving the mental health crisis in Europe?
The Eurobarometer results from last year shed light on key factors perceived as crucial for maintaining good mental health. Financial security emerged as a significant concern for 53% of respondents. Moreover, between 11% and 27% of mental health disorders were attributed to poor working conditions. Precarious employment, heavy workloads, repetitive tasks, lack of autonomy, and ambiguous job roles contribute substantially to employee stress and dissatisfaction. Moreover, a toxic work culture rife with bullying, harassment, or discrimination can significantly impact mental wellbeing. These challenges, compounded by inadequate support systems and limited resources for mental health care, create a formidable obstacle course for workers. The COVID-19 pandemic has only served to magnify these risks, with 44% of workers reporting heightened stress levels and 38% of European workers now identified as at risk of mental health issues. Anxiety tops the list as the most prevalent condition, affecting 17% of workers, followed by sleep disturbances at 14% and depression at 12%.
While the correlation between poor working conditions and mental health outcomes is apparent, the exposure to these risks is multifaceted. Certain demographic groups, including those in precarious employment, marginalised ethnic or racial communities, sexual minorities, displaced populations, and individuals with a history of mental health concerns, face heightened vulnerability and a consequently elevated risk of poorer mental health. A European Trade Union Institute (ETUI) report underscores the socioeconomic disparities in psychosocial job conditions, where occupations positioned at the lower end of the socioeconomic spectrum exhibit heightened exposure to high job strain – an element directly linked to increased risks of burnout. As a result, individuals with lower educational attainment, women, and younger workers are particularly susceptible to high job strain and its subsequent adverse mental health effects. (1)
Prioritising mental health at policy level
Despite the pivotal role mental health plays in overall wellbeing, it’s only recently that the European Union has begun to prioritise it within its agendas and strategies. (2) In 2023, the European Commission emphasised the importance of treating mental health with the same gravity as physical health and acknowledged the imperative to address psychosocial risks in the workplace. Under the banner of ‘Protect. Strengthen. Prepare’, the Belgian presidency of the Council of the European Union, in office from January to June 2024, has placed mental health in the workplace at the top of its agenda. A notable event in this regard was the high-level conference on ‘Mental Health and Work’ held on January 30 and 31. The conference brought together EU commissioners, ministers, secretaries of state, European social partners, and occupational health and safety experts to deliberate on strategies to support workers’ mental health and determine measures to mitigate psychosocial risks in the workplace.
In light of the present situation, work-induced stress significantly impacts the mental wellbeing of the European population. There is widespread recognition for further action at the EU level and an ongoing dialogue between stakeholders on how to best address this issue. One recurring proposal aimed at combating the current ‘stress epidemic’ is the implementation of a European directive on psychosocial risks. Such a measure would define how to assess these risks and propose minimum requirements deemed necessary to ensure healthy work conditions and mitigate the harmful effects of work-induced stress on the mental health of employees. The implementation of a European directive on psychosocial risks might serve as a step forward in addressing this issue, while also promoting healthy workplaces. Countries that have already adopted such legislation have witnessed a proliferation of organisational measures aimed at tackling work-related stress, which have had a substantial impact on protecting workers’ mental health. Legislation is particularly effective when supported by key stakeholders, including labour inspectorates, social partners, and experts in occupational health and safety. Notably, the existence of legislation – and the consequent obligation to adhere to it – serves as a primary motivator for companies to take proactive steps in the realm of occupational risk prevention. (3) Consequently, workers’ representatives have been vocal in advocating for developing a specific directive addressing psychosocial risks. (4, 5) The European Trade Union Institute is currently spearheading a project focused on developing the conceptual framework for work-related psychosocial risks, marking the initial and indispensable step towards the enactment of a European directive.
The ongoing mental health crisis among European workers demands urgent and decisive action. As we navigate through the complexities of a rapidly evolving world, prioritising mental wellbeing in the workplace is a moral imperative and a strategic necessity for fostering resilient and sustainable societies. The time has come for Europe to acknowledge the severity of the situation and commit to concrete measures, including developing and implementing a directive on psychosocial risks. Only through collective effort and unwavering commitment can we pave the way towards healthier, happier, and more productive workplaces for all.
References
- Insa Backhaus, Krisztina Gero, Nico Dragano, Clare Bambra. (2023, June 28). Health inequalities related to psychosocial working conditions in Europe. In ETUI, The European Trade Union Institute. Retrieved 13:59, February 09, 2024, from
- EUROPEAN COMMISSION, Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on a comprehensive approach to mental health, COM(2023) 298 final. Online:
- Irastorza X. (2019) Third European survey of enterprises on new and emergent risks (ESENER-3), European Agency for Health and Safety at Work.
- Aude Cefaliello. (2021, December 14). Psychosocial risks in Europe. In ETUI, The European Trade Union Institute. Retrieved 12:24, February 09, 2024, from
- Kateryna Yarmolyuk-Kröck. (2022, March 22). A case for an EU directive addressing work-related psychological risks. In ETUI, The European Trade Union Institute. Retrieved 12:25, February 09, 2024, from
