Hearts and Minds at Work in Europe

Cardiovascular diseases and mental ill health are diseases which put a major sickness burden on European workers, economies and social security systems. Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death in the European Union accounting for over 1.9 million deaths each year. Mental ill health is experienced by more than 27% of the adult EU population during any given year. Both diseases share common risk factors in the working environment. There is scientific consent that stressful psychosocial work environments are associated with a reduction in mental and physical health. The report emphasises that interventions to improve workplace health, although embedded in different concepts, have common goals, characteristics and benefits. These interventions can effectively reduce risk factors and diseases and show a positive return-on-investment.