GENEVA — More than 840,000 people die each year from health conditions linked to psychosocial risks in the workplace, including long working hours, job insecurity, and workplace harassment, according to Antigua News Room, citing a major new report by the International Labour Organization (ILO).
The findings come as part of the ILO's observance of World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2026. The report identifies cardiovascular diseases and mental disorders — including suicide — as the primary health conditions associated with these work-related psychosocial risks.
Beyond the human toll, the report reveals that these risks account for nearly 45 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost annually. DALYs measure years of healthy life lost due to illness, disability, or premature death. The economic consequences are equally striking, with estimated losses equivalent to 1.37 per cent of global GDP each year.
The report, titled The psychosocial working environment: Global developments and pathways for action, examines how the design, organization, and management of work directly affect workers' safety and health. It identifies a range of risk factors — including high job demands paired with low worker control, job insecurity, and workplace bullying and harassment — warning that these conditions can create seriously harmful environments if left unaddressed.
As reported by Antigua News Room, the ILO is calling for concrete action to tackle psychosocial risks, underscoring the urgent need for workplaces worldwide to prioritize both the mental and physical well-being of their workforce.
