Work teams and psychosocial risks and work stress

Introduction

Teamworking is a ‘double-edged sword’. On the one hand, teamworking has been recognised as a way of reducing work-related stress by enhancing employees’ job autonomy. Conversely, there is a risk that teamworking could increase employee stress levels by enhancing work pressure. This article starts with a definition and a typology of teamwork, followed by a discussion of the prevalence of teamwork in Europe. Next, an overview is given of how teamworking may affect workers’ health and well-being. Finally, findings of research on outcomes of work teams are also examined and discussed.

Work teams: definition and typology

DefinitionThe…