Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are calling for the introduction of new EU-wide regulations that would recognize psychosocial risks, including harassment, excessive workloads, and unpredictable working hours, as potential causes of occupational diseases, specifically mental health disorders.
Belgian Socialist MEP Estelle Ceulemans, who served as the report's rapporteur, emphasized the necessity of this recognition. “Illnesses linked to psychosocial risks, such as burnout, must be recognised as occupational diseases,” Ceulemans stated.
The push comes as data from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) reveals a significant prevalence of work-related mental health issues. In 2025, 29% of EU workers reported experiencing stress, depression, or anxiety that was either caused or exacerbated by their employment. This figure rose to 32% among younger workers aged 25 to 39, who are disproportionately affected due to intensive digital technology use and often precarious job conditions.
MEPs have urged the European Commission to propose comprehensive EU-wide rules, citing that existing worker protection provisions across member states are inconsistent and frequently inadequate. The resolution put forth by the Parliament includes calls for binding obligations on employers, more robust labour inspections, and the establishment of a right for workers to disconnect outside of working hours.
Furthermore, the parliamentary text advocates for telework to remain voluntary. While acknowledging that remote working can offer improved flexibility and work-life balance, MEPs cautioned that it can also blur the lines between professional and private life, particularly when imposed by employers.
The proposed approach, however, faced opposition from far-right groups, who voted against the resolution. Spanish MEP Margarita de la Pisa Carrión of Patriots for Europe (PfE) articulated this concern in a note on the resolution, stating, “We must strike a balance between decent working conditions and the right of employers to manage and organise their business.”
The next step now rests with the European Commission, which has been formally requested to present legislation addressing psychosocial risks, stress, and mental health in the workplace. Historically, the Commission has regulated minimum daily and weekly rest periods to safeguard workers' health and safety.
