Work-related stress and organisational wellbeing: how to take care of health in the workplace
In an age where the pace of work is increasingly frenetic and organisational demands are constantly growing, work-related stress has become one of the main health risks in professional contexts. It is a widespread phenomenon, often underestimated, which negatively affects people's well-being and company performance.
For this reason, now more than ever, it is essential to take seriously the issue of work-related stress risk assessment, which is required by law, and to promote a genuine culture of organisational wellbeing.
What is work-related stress?
Work-related stress is a particular form of work stress that occurs when the demands of the job exceed the worker's ability to cope with them. It does not only concern the quantitative workload, but also the quality of professional relationships, the organisation of activities, the lack of control over one's work or the absence of recognition: when the balance between demand and resources is lost, an imbalance is created that can compromise the person's mental and physical well-being.
Among the main factors that can cause work-related stress are: excessive workloads, unclear objectives, constant pressure, long shifts, interpersonal conflicts, poor communication, lack of support from superiors, or a perceived hostile environment. What distinguishes work-related stress from other forms of stress is the fact that it stems directly from organisational dynamics at work. It is not just a subjective response, but an indicator of a malfunction at the company level: for this reason, it is an issue that involves not only the worker, but the entire organisational structure.
Why is there so much talk about work-related stress these days?
In recent years, there has been an increase in attention to mental health in the workplace. This is due to various reasons:
- Growth in cases of work-related stress and burnout: more and more workers are experiencing symptoms related to work-related stress, with repercussions on health and productivity. According to INAIL, approximately 40% of Italian workers have experienced work-related stress at least once in their lives.
- Increased complexity of work activities: demands have become more complex, often without adequate training or organisational support.
- The spread of smart working and continuous availability: the line between work and private life has become blurred, increasing the risk of work-related stress. A study by the Smart Working
- Observatory of the Politecnico di Milano shows that 35% of remote workers find it difficult to disconnect at the end of the day.
- Greater awareness of workers' rights: there is growing sensitivity to psychosocial risks and the need for a genuine assessment of work-related stress.
According to recent research, over 25% of European workers report symptoms related to stress, making it one of the most common health problems in the workplace. In Italy, too, legislation has adapted to this context: the assessment of work-related stress is mandatory for all companies, regardless of size or sector.
What are the symptoms of work-related stress?
Identifying the symptoms of work-related stress is essential in order to take prompt action. The signs can be physical, psychological or behavioural in nature:
- Chronic fatigue, insomnia, migraines.
- Anxiety, irritability, mood swings.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Decreased motivation.
- Decline in performance.
- Tendency to isolate oneself or conflict with colleagues.
If not addressed promptly, work-related stress can develop into chronic disorders, with significant consequences for mental and physical health. Among the most common disorders are depression, generalised anxiety, sleep disorders, high blood pressure and various forms of psychosomatic disorders, such as gastritis, dermatitis and persistent muscle pain. Furthermore, according to the World Health Organisation, stress at work is one of the main risk factors for burnout, recognised as an occupational phenomenon linked to dysfunctional working environments. Burnout manifests itself as emotional exhaustion, mental detachment from work and a decline in professional effectiveness.
Employer obligations: prevention and training
Legislative Decree 81/08 requires all companies to carry out a work-related stress risk assessment. This means that employers must:
- Identify psychosocial risk factors.
- Monitor the corporate climate and employee satisfaction.
- Introduce organisational and management measures to prevent stress.
- Offer specific low- or high-risk training courses, depending on the needs of the context.
In particular, low-risk worker training is essential to raise awareness among all employees about psychosocial risks and promote a culture of prevention.
What is organisational wellbeing?
Organisational wellbeing represents an organisation's ability to ensure a healthy, stimulating and sustainable working environment in which people feel valued, involved and protected. It is not just a matter of preventing work-related stress, but of creating the conditions for human potential to grow, improving collaboration and promoting a balance between corporate objectives and individual wellbeing.
Key elements include effective and transparent communication, participatory leadership, opportunities for growth and training, a work-life balance and a recognition system that values merit and skills. Investing in organisational wellbeing is not only an ethical choice, but also a strategic lever for reducing absenteeism, turnover and conflict, as well as increasing productivity, motivation and the attractiveness of the company on the labour market.
Prevent work-related stress: contact us!
Addressing the issue of work-related stress is not only a duty imposed by current regulations, but a real opportunity to improve the quality of working life and the competitiveness of the company. Investing in organisational well-being means preventing absenteeism, demotivation and staff turnover, creating healthier, more inclusive and productive professional environments. For years, we have been striving to build a work culture based on prevention and the value of people: now it's your turn, choose the right courses to protect yourself and your company!
