SS News Desk
More than 840,000 people die each year due to health conditions linked to psychosocial risks at work, according to a new report by the International Labour Organization (ILO).
The report highlights that factors such as long working hours, job insecurity, workplace harassment, and high job demands contribute significantly to cardiovascular diseases and mental health disorders, including suicide. It estimates that these risks lead to nearly 45 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost annually, reflecting a substantial global health burden.
The findings are based on global prevalence data and scientific research linking workplace stressors to major illnesses, using data from the World Health Organization and the Global Burden of Disease study.
According to the report, titled The psychosocial working environment: Global developments and pathways for action, the way work is designed and managed plays a critical role in workers’ well-being. Poor working conditions can create harmful environments if psychosocial risks are not addressed.
The ILO also warned that rapid changes in the world of work, including digitalization, artificial intelligence, and remote working, are intensifying these risks.
Experts say proactive measures are needed to improve workplace conditions, protect workers’ health, and boost productivity, noting that such risks cost the global economy about 1.37 per cent of GDP each year.
Source: ILO
