Mental health at work in the era of digitalization

BRUSSELS (ILO News) - The digitalisation of work has brought about significant changes in the workplace while impacting the mental health of workers. At a conference held in the European Parliament entitled: “Connected minds, caring workplaces: Addressing mental health in the digital era”, the ILO explored how caring workplaces in Europe can be shaped in the digital age.

The burden of mental health at work, and the changes in digitalization are having a significant impact. “There is a growing recognition of the need to manage the digital transformation responsibly, ensuring that workers are supported, for example through upskilling or reskilling, which would help them to adapt,” said Manal Azzi, Team Lead on Occupational Safety and Health at ILO.

Whilst the introduction of new technologies in the workplace can make work more efficient, some workers are experiencing difficulties, including psychosocial risks and “techno stress”, caused by difficulties in adapting to constantly evolving technologies. Many workers fear losing their job due to automation and artificial intelligence (AI).

A ILO-WHO joint policy brief calls for global action to address mental health at work. Governments, employers, workers, and their organizations can prevent psychosocial risks, protect workers and promote mental health.

The rapid pace of digital change is an important element in this regard. How informed is our leadership? Are they investing in technology e.g. to prevent cyber abuse? How can we use the ability to work remotely so that it has a positive effect? These are all crucial questions

said Ms Azzi

The ILO has been looking at how are legal frameworks and national laws are adapting to the digital impact. Some countries are incorporating provisions related to the risks of digital technologies into their national OSH policies and strategies, acknowledging the need to protect workers from these evolving challenges and defining actions to be implemented in the coming years. These initiatives demonstrate a growing recognition of the need to ensure that OSH policies evolve in line with technological advancements.

Other countries have addressed the digitalization of workplaces and related concerns through broader national AI policies and strategies. Ms Azzi underlined that the ILO fundamental Conventions n°155 and n°187 ensure that workers are protected, also when they use machinery or interact with robots. She called on the EU Member States to ratify both instruments, as 14 EU Member States have only ratified one of these Conventions.

The European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan recognizes the need to ensure healthy and safe work environments, and would need to be updated to address the digitalization of workplaces. “The EU needs to lead by example in these areas,” she concluded.