Mental health challenges rise in European workforce

Recent reports highlight a growing trend of mental health challenges within the workforce. In Austria, data from the Wifo institute indicates that psychological illnesses now account for nearly 12 percent of all sick leave days. While long-term sick leave represents only 3.1 percent of all cases, it is responsible for nearly 40 percent of all sick leave days, underscoring the significant economic and personal impact of these conditions.

In the freelance sector, financial instability is a primary driver of psychological strain. A survey by freelancermap found that 55 percent of freelancers have continued working despite mental exhaustion, largely due to financial pressure. Approximately 62 percent of those surveyed cited financial reasons for not being able to decline projects, with many expressing concerns over uncertain order volumes and income reliability. This trend mirrors broader labor patterns, as data from the DGB-Index 2024 shows that 63 percent of employees reported working even when they felt unwell.