Spain’s Ministry of Health has announced a groundbreaking initiative to incorporate work-related mental health into its national epidemiological surveillance system. Belén González, the coordinator of this initiative, highlights the pressing need, stating that “work is breaking workers.”
The program aims to quantify psychological distress linked to work and officially recognize mental disorders stemming from workplace conditions, particularly stress and burnout. Despite the global impact of work-related mental health issues, Spain has yet to officially recognize burnout as a mental disorder.
Globally, billions of work days are lost each year due to depression and anxiety, underscoring the significant economic and societal toll of poor mental health in the workplace. The initiative aligns with WHO’s acknowledgment of work as a significant factor influencing mental well-being, highlighting issues such as discrimination, inequality, and workplace harassment.
A report from the International Labour Organization (ILO) revealed that over 40 million people in the EU are affected by work-related stress, with an estimated annual cost of €617 billion in Europe alone.
The proposed registry will be integrated into Spain’s future epidemiological surveillance system, allowing policymakers to identify specific workplace conditions contributing to mental health problems. González emphasizes the disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups, such as lower-income migrant women, urging for systemic changes in work culture and conditions.
The initiative signals a shift towards prioritizing workers’ health over productivity and profits. Spain’s Health Minister, Mónica Garcia, acknowledges the epidemic of psychological distress and calls for addressing its root causes, emphasizing the broader societal issues contributing to mental health challenges.
By recognizing and addressing work-related mental health issues, Spain aims to foster a healthier, more supportive work environment that prioritizes the well-being of its workforce.
