More than one in four workers are affected by work-related stress (WRS) in the European Union. WRS and psychosocial issues are the focus for the European Week for Safety and Health at Work 2002. To support this initiative, a report has been produced covering a number of cases of programmes, practices and experiences from across the Member States that seek to tackle psychosocial issues and prevent WRS. This fact sheet summarises the report and is aimed at those with an interest in developing strategies to tackle WRS at a national, regional or local level. At the end of the fact sheet, there is information on how to obtain the report and other WRS products.
Four out of five European residents say that good
health is crucial for their quality of life. Chronic disease has a
major impact on quality of life. Many chronic diseases – e.g. heart
diseases, type 2 diabetes, and cancer – can be largely prevented
by a healthy lifestyle. These changes include improving the diet,
enhancing physical fitness, and quitting smoking. Workplace Health Promotion means more than simply meeting the legal requirements
for health and safety. It includes: improving the way work is organised; improving the working environment; encouraging employees to get involved in healthy activities; encouraging personal development.
Workplace health promotion (WHP) is the combined effort of
employers, employees and society to improve the health and
well-being of people at work (1). This is achieved through a
combination of: improving the work organisation and working environment, promoting the participation of workers in healthy activities, enabling healthy choices, and encouraging personal development. Why invest in WHP? How to implement WHP?
Promoting health at the workplace requires a holistic approach. Any initiatives should consider the worker’s private life, their working life, and the interaction between the two. Working conditions are known to influence the general health of workers; for example, sedentary work can contribute to obesity. Similarly, workers’ personal habits, attitudes and lifestyle choices affect their health and wellbeing, and also can have an impact on their work performance.