How psychosocial working conditions can impact employee mental health

A recent BAuA study has revealed the most common factors that lead to depression and dissatisfaction in the workplace, as well as ways employers can improve wellbeing.

In Brief.

• Depressive symptoms have been linked to having a high work pace and limited job influence.

• Also, long working hours correlated with increased depression rates.

• Bullying at work exacerbates mental health issues, underlining the need for preventive measures.

In Detail.

Psychosocial issues can have a critical impact on employees’ mental health, according to a new study by the German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA). 

The report underscored the significance of identifying work-related risk factors to enhance work design and prevent mental health issues.

It examined representative data from 2,264 employees in Germany, collected at two points in time: 2012 and 2017. The findings indicated that high work demands and limited control over job tasks are strongly associated with an increase in depressive symptoms.

For instance, the study found that 16% of employees who reported a high workload in 2012 exhibited depressive symptoms by 2017. In contrast, only 7.1% of those with a lower workload reported similar symptoms.

The researchers said this correlation highlights the need for better management of work pace and workload to protect employees’ mental health.

Working hours were also claimed to play a significant role in mental health. The study found that 15.1% of employees working excessively long hours (over 48 hours per week) in 2012 showed depressive symptoms in 2017.

Comparatively, 11% of those with standard working hours (up to 39 hours per week) reported depressive symptoms. The team deduced that reducing excessively long working hours could mitigate the risk of depression among workers.

Job resources, particularly the ability to influence one’s work, also were shown to affect workers’ mental health.

The study showed that 14.4% of employees with little control over their work in 2012 experienced depressive symptoms by 2017. In contrast, only 8.6% of those with greater job control reported such symptoms.

Workplace bullying emerged as an additional and significant factor. Among those who experienced bullying in 2012, 11.6% reported depressive symptoms five years later, compared to 7.5% of those who did not experience bullying.

The team suggested there is a critical need to create more supportive work environments and to address bullying promptly.

In the study, the BAuA pointed to the critical importance of preventive occupational health and safety measures.

To maintain positive mental health among employees, they said it is crucial to limit time and performance pressures and regulate working hours. Moreover, that providing employees with greater control over their tasks can significantly reduce the risk of depression.

Further, the report argued there is a pressing need for workplaces to adopt comprehensive strategies to mitigate psychosocial risks.

A similar report from BAuA in May identified the prevalence of missed work breaks on employees in Germany, despite them being a legal requirement, and showed how these frequently missed breaks affected health and job satisfaction.

Credit: Health and Safety International by Ana Martins.