Workplace stress and mental strain in Europe

Recent studies highlight significant levels of occupational stress and mental strain among workers in Finland and Greece.

In Finland, the Work Life Study 2026 found that while 68% of workers find their jobs meaningful, 26% report excessive workloads and time pressure. Data from the EU-OSHA OSH Pulse 2025 survey indicates that approximately 45% of Finnish employees experienced stress, depression, or anxiety caused or worsened by work in the previous year, a figure notably higher than the EU average of 29%. Primary stressors include high time pressure and poor communication.

In Greece, research by the Labor Institute of the General Confederation of Greek Workers (INE GSEE) reports that 87% of employees experience frequent or permanent workplace stress. This environment is characterized by high psychological pressure and strict deadlines affecting 73% of the workforce. The study noted that 51% of the Greek workforce reports that psychological strain impacts their personal and social lives. Stress levels are prevalent across all age groups, with 53% of employees over 55 reporting constant or frequent pressure. Harassment and bullying are also noted, linked to factors such as age, gender, sexual orientation, and ethnicity.

Further concerns have been raised by the Democratic Cooperation of Teachers P.E. regarding the education sector, where educators face excessive workloads, bureaucracy, and staff shortages. Additionally, data from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work shows 49% of Greek employees report work-related mental health issues. Andreas Stoimenidis, president of the agency, attributes these rates to Greek legislative frameworks, low purchasing power, and inadequate wages, noting that while other nations pilot shorter work weeks, Greek discussions often focus on extending daily working hours.