"Work-related psychosocial hazards are recognised as one of the key concerns to be addressed in modern working life across the world and in the future of work. They refer to unfavourable working conditions in terms of the way work is organised and managed (e.g. high workloads, long working hours, lack of autonomy and support at work, harassment and bullying at work). There is now ample evidence that exposure to psychosocial hazards can put the health of workers and the sustainability of organisations at risk. Indeed, several studies have evidenced the relationship between the risks arising from psychosocial hazards, work-related psychosocial risks (PSR), and negative outcomes such as work-related stress, cardiovascular disease, depression and anxiety, and mortality. Furthermore, PSR have been found to be related to sickness absenteeism and presenteeism as well as an early exit from the workforce due to disability.

There are numerous theories and models of relevance to work-related PSR, conceptual definitions and terminology, validated questionnaires, and frameworks for risk assessment and management. Concurrently, there is no consensus on a definitive PSR list, despite this being considered to be one of the most challenging risks to manage at work. In addition, legislation varies across European Union (EU) Member States, leaving workers unequally protected.

This report presents the findings of an ETUI project focusing on a review and systematisation of the existing evidence with the aim of providing clarity to the multidimensional concept of work-related PSR. It first provides a review of the literature that summarises the key theories and models of relevance to work-related PSR, the conceptual definitions and terminology, and the instruments which have been validated for risk assessment before delivering an overview of the relevant policy context at the EU level and in selected Member States.

Second, it presents the findings of a scoping review of the literature and of a validation exercise with expert networks, which have informed the development of a conceptual framework and taxonomy of work-related PSR with different components:

– Sources; such as aspects related to the macro context;

– Factors; including job security, work-life balance;

– Hazards; for example, job insecurity, work-life conflict;

– Impacts and outcomes in terms of individual health and wellbeing, and organisational outcomes.

Third, a selection of preventive measures related to the work-related PSR taxonomy is also described with a focus on the organisational level, and the evidence on the importance of these measures is discussed. Finally, conclusions are drawn on the current state of the art on work-related PSR, and recommendations are provided for the priorities to be addressed in research, policy and practice."

Support: Digital;Paper

ISBN (PDF) : 978-2-87452-734-0

Legal deposit : D/2024/10.574/32