Workplace stress costs 45 million years of healthy life annually, ILO reports

A new report by the International Labour Organisation has found that workplace psychosocial risks are responsible for a major global health burden, costing an estimated 45 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) annually.

The figure represents years of healthy life lost due to illness, disability, or premature death linked to work-related stress factors such as excessive workload, job insecurity, workplace harassment, and poor working conditions.

According to the report obtained from ILO’s X handle on Friday, these risks are increasingly becoming a serious occupational health challenge worldwide, with significant implications for workers’ wellbeing, productivity, and public health systems.

“New ILO report finds that psychosocial risks at work account for nearly 45 million disability-adjusted life years lost annually, reflecting years of healthy life lost due to illness, disability, or premature death,” the post read.

The ILO warned that without stronger interventions, the impact of workplace stress could continue to grow, placing further strain on already burdened health systems and economies.

It stressed the need for governments, employers, and policymakers to prioritise mental health at work, improve workplace conditions, and implement stronger protections for workers exposed to psychosocial risks.

The report also highlighted that addressing workplace stress is not only a health issue but also an economic necessity, as healthier working conditions contribute to improved productivity and reduced healthcare costs globally.

Online had reported that a new report from ILO found that around 840,000 people die each year from health conditions linked to workplace risks, highlighting growing global concern over how modern work environments affect both physical and mental health.