Mounting evidence, including from the Commission, highlights the need for a directive to end the growing workplace stress epidemic.
According to the European Public Services Union (EPSU) representing unions organising workers in the European institutions, and to media reports, an increasing number of Commission staff are suffering burnout due to an “extreme workload” caused by an expectation by management to do more with fewer resources.
That reflects the situation across European workplaces, where overwork is increasing to the extent that workplace stress now accounts for over 40% of all cases of depression and is the root cause of 10,000 deaths a year.
The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) says the forthcoming Quality Jobs Package must include a directive on psychosocial risks which makes it a legal requirement for employers to take measures to prevent burnout and overwork.
Esther Lynch, ETUC General Secretary, said:
“Stress at work is predictable and preventable. Workers are doing their best, now employers must do theirs. Every employer needs to put in place a concrete plan to keep people safe.
“We know that overwork can cause burnout, depression and heart disease. It costs the economy about €620 billion a year and most importantly is costing people their lives.
“Despite this, Europe currently has no legislation on psychosocial risks. The reports coming out of the Berlaymont should mean Commissioners know better than anyone how badly Europe needs a directive to end stress at work and we expect it be included in the Quality Jobs Act.”
Jan Willem Goudriaan, EPSU General Secretary, added:
“The situation of the EU civil servants resembles that of public service workers in EU Countries. Budget cuts and austerity defund our public administrations and regulatory bodies leading to stress and an impact on the quality of work. The Commission needs to act for all, including its own staff.”
