The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work reports that nearly half of all workers across the European Union face mental health hazards in their jobs. The figure stands at 45%, with employees citing long working hours, emotional strain, bullying, and harassment as key concerns. These risks translate into a financial burden for the EU, costing over €100 billion each year through lost productivity, employee absences, and medical expenses. Despite the scale of the problem, discussions about mental health in workplaces remain uncommon, leaving many risks unaddressed.
William Cockburn, executive director of the agency, identifies silence as the primary obstacle. Both employees and employers frequently avoid addressing mental health issues, allowing dangerous workplace conditions to persist. He points to psychosocial risks, such as heavy workloads, tight deadlines, and hostile relationships, as direct threats to worker well-being. Yet under EU law, employers are legally required to consult staff on stressful conditions, yet only 45% of employees report receiving such input.
Advocates argue that mental health in the workplace should receive the same preventive focus as physical safety. Esther Lynch, general secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation, emphasizes the need for systematic risk evaluations, including excessive working hours and harmful workplace interactions, followed by policy adjustments to prevent harm. The European Commission’s new Healthy Workplaces initiative reinforces this approach, positioning mental health as a collective concern rather than an individual responsibility.
Employers stand to gain more than just legal compliance by prioritizing mental health. Research shows that healthier workplaces lead to fewer sick days, lower staff turnover, and improved productivity, while also reducing strain on healthcare systems. Roxana Mînzatu, the Commission’s executive vice-president for social rights and jobs, states that investing in employee well-being delivers mutual benefits. The next critical step, however, is overcoming the reluctance to address the issue openly.
The campaign’s emphasis on proactive risk assessments and employee participation marks a turning point in workplace mental health strategies. Unlike past approaches, this initiative treats mental health as an integral part of workplace safety rather than an afterthought.
