Psychosocial risk prevention strategies in the workplace

Abstract

Psychosocial risks at work are factors that arise from the interaction between working conditions, organizations, and workers' characteristics. These risks can negatively impact employees' physical and mental health, affecting their well-being, productivity, and quality of life. Growing concern about these factors has been reflected in a significant increase in mental health-related sick leave, especially in sectors such as healthcare and education.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries have observed the impact of psychosocial factors on the health of their workers. For example, Spain has experienced a 72% increase in sick leave for mental health reasons, reaching 643,681 in 2024. Most of these cases correspond to mild anxiety and depression disorders, with an average duration of 108 days. Women between 36 and 45 years of age account for 58% of cases.

Workplace stress is one of the most common psychosocial factors in the workplace. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), exposure to long working hours is the occupational risk factor with the highest attributable burden of disease, with an estimated 745,000 deaths from cardiovascular disease and stroke in 2016.