Labor Day (Tag der Arbeit in Germany) is not just a "day of celebration". In addition to other factors, working life can also trigger illnesses. Both somatic and psychological. This problem is particularly alarming not only because of the individual suffering of those affected, but also because of the duration of the illness, which, at an average of 36 days, is three times longer than for somatic illnesses at twelve days, according to statistics from the German Federal Ministry of Health. "Research and medicine have long focused on the resilience and coping factors of employees, but this is not enough: the responsibility for human-centered work lies with employers. Occupational physicians can make valuable contributions here, and this must be an essential part of occupational medicine," says Schneider.
Factors leading to mental illness: pressure, loneliness, and lack of skilled workers
"Of course, work can also be a resource," says Prof. Dr. Martin Schütte of the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BauA), a partner institution of the DZPG. He is the scientific director of the BAuA's "Work and Health" department and conducts research into the analysis of working conditions and their effects on mental health. "Work has a stabilizing effect on mental health," says Schütte.
But work can also pose risks to the psyche. The World Health Organization (WHO) briefly summarizes these stressors: Work environments characterized by discrimination and inequality, excessive workloads, low levels of control, and job insecurity. In this context, Silvia Schneider also sees recent developments as a burden: "Technological progress not only makes work easier, but it also increases workloads and often makes tasks more complex. That can create pressure. The same goes for making work more flexible. Home office regulations can promote loneliness and isolation; this is a significant risk factor for depression, and we are also investigating this at the DZPG.
Sonja Haase, experience expert and member of the DZPG Trialogical Board, adds: "The combination of digital tools and the resulting consequences, such as constant availability via multiple channels, can lead to stress.
Prof. Harald Baumeister from the Mannheim-Heidelberg-Ulm DZPG partner site explains: " New work approaches raise questions of belonging and loneliness as a challenge. One of the DZPG's many research projects therefore focus on the sense of belonging in the work context as a potential protective factor.”
Shortage of skilled workers puts pressure on workforces
The increasing shortage of skilled workers also plays an important role in the intensification of work, says Silvia Schneider: "In professions such as healthcare or the public sector, for example, employees are already exposed to greater psychological stress due to the content of their work. In recent years, the workload has increased enormously. This is because there is a shortage of staff in clinics, schools, and government offices, which increases the risk of mental illnesses such as exhaustion or depression for everyone".
Mental disorders are the number 2 reason for sick leave
The latest report from the German health insurance company ‘Techniker Krankenkasse’ shows just how urgent the problem is: the most common cause of sick leave in 2023 was once again by far respiratory illnesses. However, "depressive episodes" are already in second place - ahead of back pain.
Employers can do a lot for the mental health of their employees
There are effective ways to prevent mental health risks in the workplace, protect and promote mental health in the workplace, and support employees with mental illness. "Prevention and promotion of mental health as part of sustainable occupational health management are of great importance. The health of employees contributes significantly to the economic success of companies. While this is already well known for somatic illnesses, employers need to be made even more aware of mental health," says Schneider. And Schütte adds: "In addition to primary prevention, i.e. the humane design of working conditions, secondary and tertiary prevention approaches, such as a sustainable return to work, are important. Low-threshold services are helpful here, such as psychosomatic or psychotherapeutic counseling, in order to be able to recognize potential mental impairments at an early stage.”
Research is addressing the issue
Martin Schütte emphasizes: "In this context, the German Center for Mental Health offers the opportunity to include the topic of work in the therapeutic process. This could lead to more comprehensive treatment options. The DZPG can continue to raise awareness of which working conditions influence mental health and are relevant to the therapeutic process. Psychosocial factors such as leadership, social support at work, working hours, opportunities for development at work, or the amount of work must always be taken into account. The DZPG can therefore provide evidence-based information on mental health for science, practice, and policy.”
Mental Health Week focuses on working life
The Mental Health Week 2024, which will take place from October 10 to 20 under the patronage of the Federal Minister of Health, Prof. Dr. Karl Lauterbach. The slogan "Hand in Hand for Mental Health in the Workplace", also demonstrates the relevance of the topic. Support groups, psychosocial institutions, and initiatives of the Mental Health Action Alliance will provide information about mental stress at the workplace, preventive measures, and coping strategies in a wide-ranging program at more than 100 locations. The event kicks off on October 10 at the Pfefferberg Cultural Center in Berlin. The German Society for German Association for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics (DGPPN) is sponsoring the campaign alliance.
More information on the Mental Health Week 2024: https://www.seelischegesundheit.net/aktionen/aktionswoche/
References
Health Report 2024 - Incapacity for work, published by: Techniker Krankenkasse, Corporate Headquarters, 22291 Hamburg https://www.tk.de/resource/blob/2168508/ee48ec9ef5943d2d40dc10a76bedf290/gesundheitsreport-au-2024-data.pdf
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-at-work (as of 26.4.2024)
BAuA (2017). Mental health in the world of work - Scientific assessment. Dortmund: Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Authors: Isabel Rothe, Lars Adolph, Beate Beermann, Martin Schütte, Armin Windel, Anne Grewer, Uwe Lenhardt, Jörg Michel, Birgit Thomson, Maren Formazin
Press Contact
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