Psychosocial risks

Psychosocial risks are aspects of the design and management of work, and its social and organisational contexts, that have the potential for causing psychological or physical harm. Work-related stress is one of the health risks most frequently identified by workers in Europe. The factors that can cause stress for workers and influence their health and well-being can be related to the following: job content; work intensity and job autonomy; working time arrangements and work–life balance; social environment, including interpersonal relationships at work and social support; job insecurity and career development.

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Latest

Find the latest content on this topic below.

Digital story

3 September 2025

Trends in job quality: EWCS 2024 first findings
The EWCS 2024 reveals the latest trends in job quality based on the seven dimensions of the job quality framework. This EWCS first findings digital story provides an overview of the initial analysis of the EWCS 2024 data.
Other

3 September 2025

European Working Conditions Survey 2024: First findings
+4
Agnès Parent-Thirionand 7 other authors
The European Working Conditions Survey (EWCS) 2024 ‘first findings’ factsheet provides the latest data on job quality in the EU as well as expert insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by a new world of work.
Research report

2 September 2025

Mental health: Risk groups, trends, services and policies
Hans Dubois,
Sanna Nivakoski
Anxiety and depression remain widespread in the EU, with rising concerns for young women and older men. While suicide rates fell for decades, they have recently edged up. Access to trusted, timely mental healthcare is limited, highlighting the need for prevention and inclusion.

Experts on Psychosocial risks

Researchers at Eurofound provide expert insights and can be contacted for questions or media requests.

Oscar Vargas Llave

Senior research manager
Working life research

Oscar Vargas Llave is a senior research manager in the Working Life unit at Eurofound and manages projects on changes in the world of work and the impact on working conditions and related policies: organisation of working time, remote work, the right to disconnect, health and well-being and ageing. Before joining Eurofound in December 2009, he worked as project coordinator in the field of health and safety and was responsible for the Professional Card Scheme for the Construction Sector in Spain at the non-profit Fundación Laboral de la Construcción in Madrid. He has a background in industrial sociology (Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca), and also holds a Diploma in Social Science Research Methods from the University of Cardiff and a Master’s degree in Health and Safety from the Autonomous University of Madrid.

Sara Riso

Senior research manager
Working life research

Sara Riso joined Eurofound in 2006 and is currently a senior research manager in the Working Life unit. She is engaged in research projects focusing on digitalisation and working conditions. Before joining Eurofound, Sara managed research projects for large Brussels-based European associations and networks. Her academic background is in psychology, communication and languages. Her main research interest lies in exploring new workplace stressors arising from increased digitalisation of work, evolving organisational practices, and change management strategies to address the challenges posed by digitalisation in modern working environments.

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European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions
The tripartite EU agency providing knowledge to assist in the development of better social, employment and work-related policies