Workers throughout the EU have seen an increase in occupational health and safety risks with changes to their working world, yet no sufficient action has been taken on a longstanding threat – psychosocial risks.

Data collected in 2022 showed that 44% of workers detail how they are exposed to severe time pressure or work overload, while 66% of workers have experienced health problems caused or made worse by their work. Compared to pre-COVID figures, this data showed a 25% increase in the prevalence of psychosocial risks in workplaces. In addition, 42% of managers find it more difficult to tackle PSR than other occupational safety and health issues, with 61% of female managers experiencing sleep problems and 20% of all managers experience anxiety – representing the highest share of all occupations.

While the new European Commission has earmarked action on workplace mental health, as outlined in this year’s peer review, we cannot have unequal protection for workers across our union. Minimum standards, through a directive on work-related psychological risks, are needed.

Eurocadres will continue to push for this much-needed protection for Europe’s professionals and managers.