Addressing all the psychosocial risk factors in the workplace requires a comprehensive and interdisciplinary strategy and specific tools

Abstract

The growing importance of psychosocial risks in workplaces underscores the necessity of prioritizing employees’ mental well-being. These risks, stemming from inadequate work design and organization, result in significant adverse outcomes across various sectors. A comprehensive analysis of this issue is crucial to address emerging challenges and promote workers’ psycho-physical health. This study explores the definition and identification of psychosocial risks, encompassing workplace harassment, violence, critical service events, emotional demands, and contextual factors like work-related stress. Emerging global challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, affect work organizations, impacting employee psycho-physical stress. Novel work paradigms and digital technologies add complexity. Work-related stress and high emotional demands can lead to chronic stress adaptation disorders, anxiety, depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), mainly affecting healthcare professionals. ISO 45003 advocates a holistic approach to psychosocial risk assessment, ensuring workers’ mental well-being. The Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) offers a validated tool adaptable to various contexts, but comprehensive validation is lacking. Assessing critical service events, violence, and early intervention can mitigate distress. Multidisciplinary teams, including physicians, psychologists, and ergonomists, are vital to address complexity. Health surveillance, guided by competent professionals, gains importance. Beyond risk assessment, it aids in early issue detection and psychological support. In conclusion, managing psychosocial risks requires a collective commitment to create a health-supportive work environment. Comprehensive evaluation, supported by robust tools and health surveillance, safeguards mental well-being and nurtures a culture attuned to psycho-physical health.

Keywords

• burnout
• copsoq
• iso 45003
• occupational health surveillance
• psychosocial risk factors
• risk assessment
• work-related stress