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Investing in Well Being at Work - Addressing Psychosocial Risks in Times of Change
29/10/2010 - Submitted by: Tilia Bousios
The European Commission together with the Belgium presidency of the Council of the European Union, will be holding a Forum investing in well being at work and addressing psychosocial risks in time of change
The organisation of work is changing rapidly. The economic crisis has accelerated the pace at which Europe's companies and their workers have to adapt. Restructuring can create opportunities but it also puts mental strain on those who are affected, the "victims", but also the "survivors". Restructuring at the workplace can have a profound impact on health. Understandably, this concern is often overshadowed by immediate material concerns. But new research evidence shows that neglecting the health side of restructuring comes at a high price for workers, the organisation and for society.
In many European countries, changes in the world of work have come to be discussed as a risk for the psychosocial health of workers. In the European Union, we have instruments to protect workers' health and safety. The Framework Directive for Occupational Health and Safety ensures a preventive approach based on risk assessment that also involves psychosocial factors. Building on this, the social partners have agreed and implemented a European framework agreement that provides an action-oriented framework on identifying, preventing, and managing work-related stress.
The purpose of the Forum will be the occasion to hear and discuss:
- The latest research findings on the health impact of restructuring, on stress at work, and on the reality of risk assessments at Europe's workplaces
- New information on the implementation of the European social partners' framework agreement on work-related stress, including the Commission's report, to be published in November
- High-level presentations on the political framework in Member States
The Forum will take place on 22, 23 and 24 November in the "Square" in Brussels. The Forum will count about 300 participants, representing trade unions, employers, national and regional public authorities, academic experts as well as European Institutions. It will consist of a high-level plenary, followed by working groups, reporting back by the working groups and a panel discussion with representatives of labour, employers and Ministers.
Participation: only by personal invitation