More than 840,000 people die each year from conditions linked to psychosocial risks in the workplace, including stress, job insecurity, harassment, and bullying, according to a new report by the International Labor Organization.

The report, titled “The Psychosocial Work Environment: Global Trends and Action Pathways,” underscores how the way jobs are designed, organized, and managed can have a profound impact on both physical and mental health.

Rising Health Risks

Researchers found a growing link between workplace stressors and serious health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, mental illness, and even suicide. To reach the estimate of 840,000 deaths annually, the study compared occupational risk factors—such as long working hours, effort-reward imbalance, and workplace violence—with data from the World Health Organization and the Global Burden of Disease study.

Economic and Social Impact

Beyond the human toll, the economic cost is also significant. The report estimates that 45 million disability-adjusted life years are lost each year due to work-related psychosocial risks. In addition, 1.37% of global GDP is lost annually due to heart disease and mental health conditions linked to workplace stress.

The findings also highlight widespread exposure to these risks:

• 35% of workers globally work more than 48 hours per week
• 23% have experienced violence or harassment at some point in their careers

Modern Work Pressures

While psychosocial risks are not new, the report warns that recent changes in the labor market could intensify the problem. The rise of digitalization, artificial intelligence, remote work, and new forms of employment may increase pressure on workers if not properly managed.

“The psychosocial work environment is becoming one of the most critical challenges for occupational safety and health,” said Manal Azzi, a policy expert at the International Labor Organization. She emphasized that improving workplace conditions is essential not only for protecting employees but also for boosting productivity and long-term economic sustainability.

Call for Preventive Action

The report stresses that many of these deaths are preventable. It calls for comprehensive strategies to manage psychosocial risks, including integrating them into occupational health and safety systems and fostering cooperation between governments, employers, and workers.

The findings were released ahead of World Day for Safety and Health at Work, which this year focuses on the growing impact of psychosocial risks in the workplace.