World Health Day 2011
On the occasion of World Health Day on 7 April 2011, we present below a selection of recent Eurofound publications and articles on the physical and psychological health of Europeans at work.
Foundation Focus - Health and work: a difficult relationship?
This issue looks at the relationship between work and health, using first findings from Eurofound's fifth European Working Conditions Survey which was launched in November 2010 under the Belgian EU presidency.
Employment and industrial relations in the health care sector
This report presents the findings of a study that assessed the contributions of employers, trade unions and professional organisations in achieving the recruitment and retention of staff (other than doctors) in the health care sector as it battles to overcome the challenges of an ageing population, budgetary constraints and skills shortages.
Work-related stress
This report examines the issue of work-related stress in the 27 EU Member States and Norway. Studies capturing data on work-related stress in individual countries differ in terms of their scope, methodology and coverage. The main risk factors for work-related stress include heavy workload, long working hours, lack of control and autonomy at work, poor relationships with colleagues, poor support at work and the impact of organisational change.
Changes over time - First findings from the fifth European Working Conditions Survey: Résumé
Examining how working conditions have changed (or remained the same) can shed light on what progress is being made towards European policy goals. First findings show that fewer workers feel their health and safety is at risk because of their work. However, work intensity remains at a high level.
Foundation findings - Physical and psychological violence at the workplace
Workplace violence is a social phenomenon of a certain magnitude. Overall, approximately one in ten European workers report having experienced some form of workplace violence, either physical or psychological, in the previous 12 months.
Health and safety at work in SMEs: Strategies for employee information and consultation
Small and medium-sized enterprises face a number of difficulties in complying with occupational health and safety (OSH) regulations owing to fewer resources and less awareness of the costs of non-compliance in terms of higher risks.
Absence from work
Average rates of absence across Europe are between 3% and 6% of working time. A reasonable estimate of the cost is about 2.5% of GDP.
Annual review of working conditions 2009-2010
This seventh annual review examines four key dimensions of working conditions and quality of work and employment: career development and employment security, health and well-being, skills and competence development, and work-life balance.
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