Work-related stress risk

According to a definition shared within the EU, work-related stress is “a state, which is accompanied by physical, psychological or social complaints or dysfunctions and which results from individuals feeling unable to bridge a gap with the requirements or expectations placed on them” (European Agency for Safety and Health at Work). 

Work-related stress can potentially affect every workplace and every worker, as it is caused by different aspects that are closely related to the organisation and work environment.

In Italy, Article 28 of Legislative Decree 81/2008, as amended, requires employers to assess and manage work-related stress just like any other risk to health and safety, transposing the 2004 EU Framework Agreement.

As work-related stress can result from a number of factors, including work context and content, ineffective communication and the work environment, preventive measures vary. Some of the measures suggested by the literature and INAIL, which the University has endorsed, include: 

• Communication and management actions to clarify the University’s objectives and each person’s role;
• Accurate and regular risk assessment involving various University roles (Prevention and Protection Service, Occupational Medicine, Workers’ Safety Representatives – RLS, governance, Personnel Division, CUG – Guarantee Committee for Equal Opportunities);
• Plan of improvement actions, such as designing dedicated training courses.