Stress not addressed by firms - European survey

Up to 79% of European managers are concerned by work-related stress, but less than a third have procedures to deal with it, the biggest workplace health and safety survey in Europe has found.

Four out of five European managers have their concerns about work-related stress, the ‘European Survey of Enterprises on New and Emerging Risks' (ESENER) says, making stress at work as important as workplace accidents for companies (79%).

Work-related stress is very acute in health and social work, 91% of companies regard it as of some or major concern, the figure is 84% in education.

Jukka Takala, EU-OSHA Director, says:"Despite the high levels of concern, it is clearly worrying that only 26% of EU organisations have procedures in place to deal with stress. The survey highlights the importance of providing effective support for enterprises to tackle stress, which will be crucial in ensuring we have the healthy productive workforce needed to boost European economic performance and competitiveness".

The survey also shows that 42% of management consider it more difficult to tackle psychosocial risks, compared with other safety and health issues. The sensitivity of the issue (53%) and lack of awareness (50%) are the main barriers for dealing effectively with psychosocial issues, according to the findings.