Perspectives on active ageing and work-related stress in Europe: a European opinion poll

C. Sedlatschek
2014 Occupational Medicine  
Editorial Perspectives on active ageing and work-related stress in Europe: a European opinion poll Currently two of the most topical and challenging issues in relation to occupational safety and health in Europe are the ageing workforce and work-related stress. As the changing world of work places increasing demands on workers, and the shift to a service economy continues [1], psychosocial issues are of prime concern. Although difficult to measure because of its nature, studies have shown the
more » ... gnificant negative effects of work-related stress. In the UK, for example, the Health and Safety Executive reports that around 10.4 million working days were lost through work-related stress in 2011-12 and, on average, each person suffering from work-related stress took 24 days off work [2] . Meanwhile, as life expectancy continues to rise across Europe, the total share of the workforce between the age of 55 and 64 increases [3] . The Ready for Ageing? report, published by the House of Lords earlier this year, states that by 2030, England is likely to have 51% more people aged over 65 than in 2013 and 101% more people aged over 85. Alarmingly, in the UK as a whole, '10.7 million people can currently expect inadequate retirement incomes' [4] . A recent European opinion poll conducted by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) provides important insights into public opinion regarding these two topical issues [5] . Full-time, part-time and self-employed workers over the age of 18 were asked six questions related to the ageing population and work-related stress. The results are interesting. Across Europe, surprisingly, 43% of participants do not expect the proportion of workers aged 60 and over to increase by 2020. However, opinion does vary considerably between countries, and, in the UK, around twothirds (67%) of workers do think that an increase in the proportion of people aged 60 and over is likely by 2020. Opinion also varies according to industry sector, and across Europe those working in manual jobs (49%) are less likely than those in non-manual roles (53%) to believe that there will be a higher proportion of workers aged over 60 in the workplace in 2020. It is certainly true that we are living longer, but in Europe more than half of older workers (aged 55-64) currently leave work before retirement age, for a variety of reasons [6] . Is this trend likely to continue? We need to ensure that it does not: better and longer working lives are essential in order to finance and support the ageing European population. The poll reveals, however, that only around one-quarter (23%) of UK respondents are aware of programmes and policies in their workplace that will support people working up to or beyond retirement age.
doi:10.1093/occmed/kqt155 pmid:24562685 fatcat:ty4kcyh23vaw3k5fippethoiee