ILO Report: Workplace Stress Costs 45 Million Healthy Years

According to a report from the International Labour Organization (ILO), workplace stress is responsible for the loss of approximately 45 million disability-adjusted life years (DALY) each year. This figure represents the years of healthy life lost due to illness, disability, and premature death associated with work-related stress factors, including excessive workload, job insecurity, workplace harassment, and poor working conditions.

The report, obtained on Friday, emphasizes that psychosocial risks at work are increasingly becoming a serious occupational health challenge worldwide, with significant implications for worker well-being and public health systems. The ILO warns that without stronger interventions, the impact of workplace stress will continue to grow, placing further strain on already burdened health systems and economies.

The report highlights the urgent need for governments and employers to prioritize mental health at work, improve workplace conditions, and implement stronger protections for workers exposed to psychosocial risks. It also notes that around 840,000 people die each year from health conditions linked to workplace risks, underscoring the growing global concern regarding the effects of modern work environments on physical and mental health.