A new report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) has revealed the significant and growing impact of psychosocial risks in the workplace, linking them to more than 840,000 deaths each year worldwide.
The findings, released to mark the World Day for Safety and Health at Work on 28 April 2026, highlight the urgent need for stronger policies and workplace interventions to address these risks.
According to the report, psychosocial risk factors—such as long working hours, workplace stress, and exposure to harassment—are major contributors to cardiovascular diseases and mental health disorders. These risks are also responsible for nearly 45 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost annually, underscoring their widespread impact on both individuals and economies. The ILO estimates that the resulting loss in productivity equates to approximately 1.37% of global GDP each year.
One of the most pressing concerns identified is the prevalence of long working hours. Globally, around 35% of workers exceed 48 hours per week, a threshold associated with a heightened risk of stroke and heart disease. In parallel, workplace harassment remains a persistent issue, with 23% of workers reporting that they have experienced some form of violence or harassment during their careers. Psychological violence is the most common, affecting 18% of workers.
The report defines the psychosocial working environment as encompassing job design, organisational practices, and workplace interactions, all of which influence employee wellbeing and organisational performance. It notes that evolving work trends—including digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and the rise of remote and platform-based work—are reshaping how work is organised and managed. While these developments offer opportunities for flexibility and efficiency, they may also intensify psychosocial risks if not properly managed.
Despite growing awareness, the integration of psychosocial considerations into occupational safety and health (OSH) frameworks remains limited. Only 18% of cross-border labour agreements between 2000 and 2025 explicitly address mental health or psychosocial risks. However, momentum is building, with 37% of surveyed institutions indicating plans to strengthen data collection and monitoring of these risks within the next five years.
The ILO emphasises that effective prevention requires a comprehensive approach addressing three key areas: the nature of the job itself, how work is organised and managed, and broader organisational policies and systems. Risk assessment is identified as a critical tool, involving the identification of hazards, evaluation of exposure, and implementation of preventive measures.
Importantly, the report stresses that prevention should prioritise organisational changes rather than relying solely on individual coping strategies. Measures such as improving workload management, enhancing role clarity, fostering supportive leadership, and strengthening worker participation are seen as essential to reducing risks at their source.
Looking ahead, the ILO calls for stronger research, more coherent regulatory frameworks, and greater workplace-level action. It highlights the need for harmonised data, clearer legislation, and improved collaboration between governments, employers, and workers.
As the nature of work continues to evolve, the report concludes that addressing psychosocial risks will be critical not only for safeguarding worker health but also for sustaining productivity and economic resilience.
