A new study by the International Labour Organization (ILO) has revealed that more than 840,000 people die each year due to health conditions linked to job strain. These include long working hours, job insecurity, and workplace harassment. The findings highlight the serious impact of psychosocial risks on workers’ health, which can lead to depression, burnout, and even cancer.
The consequences of these issues extend beyond individual health. Companies face challenges such as lower staff retention, reduced work performance, and increased absenteeism. Cardiovascular diseases are responsible for the majority of these deaths, but mental disorders have a greater impact on the loss of healthy life years. This is because they tend to be chronic and disabling in nature.
The economic cost of these issues is significant. The report estimates a loss of 1.37% of global GDP, with Europe and Central Asia experiencing the second-highest loss at 1.43%. In Europe, nearly one in three workers reports job-related stress, depression, or anxiety. Women are more likely to experience these problems compared to men.
Stigma surrounding mental health remains a major obstacle to prevention and support in the workplace, according to the ILO report. In the European Union, the annual costs of work-related depression are estimated to exceed €100 billion, with employers bearing over 80% of this burden.
A 2025 survey by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work found that more than six in 10 workers in Greece, Cyprus, France, and Italy fear negative consequences if they discuss mental health with their manager. In contrast, around eight in 10 workers in the Nordic countries feel comfortable discussing mental health with their managers.
Mental Health and Workplace Stress
Mental health at work is a growing concern across Europe. The ILO report highlights the need for better support systems and open discussions about mental health in the workplace. Stigma continues to prevent many from seeking help, which exacerbates the problem.
In addition to mental health, autonomy in the workplace is another critical factor. A 2025 Eurofound study found that half of men in Europe report having some control over their working hours, compared to 43% of women. Meanwhile, 17% of workers in the EU report a lack of autonomy or influence over work pace and processes.
Technology and Work
Technology’s role in the workplace is a topic of debate. Some 48% of workers say that technology sets the work pace, while 19% believe it reduces opportunities to use their knowledge and skills. Additionally, 16% say it limits decision-making, according to the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work.
Monotonous Work Tasks
The share of workers reporting monotonous work tasks has increased significantly over the years. From 39% in 1995, this number rose to 48% in 2024. Sectoral results at the EU level show particularly high exposure in agriculture (60%), transport (56%), and commerce and hospitality (53%).
