Brussels, 07/02/2012 (Agence Europe) - Three employees out of four state they are satisfied with their work but there are one out of three who find their sleep suffers as a result of their work, and one out of four who find that their professional life is detrimental to their health. These results are from an international study published on Tuesday 7 February on stress at work, conducted by the Institute of Environmental Medicine (IME), in partnership with the Institute of NeuroCognitivism (INC) and TNS Sofres. Over 7,000 respondents took part in the survey in France, Belgium (French and Flemish speaking), French-speaking Switzerland and Quebec. In addition to looking at worker well-being, the study attempts to explain the different factors that come into play when determining stress levels and morale at the workplace taking three aspects into account: - the individual, management and organisation.
Results differ from country to country. The highest rate of satisfaction was to be found in Quebec, where 77% of employees were pleased with their employment. In France, 68% shared the same view. Underlying reasons for a positive perception of one's professional situation can be the differences that exist in the organisation and management of work from country to country. A good balance struck between decision-making powers and responsibilities is a key factor in the “organisation” dimension. At the “individual” level, it is motivation for the tasks entrusted to the employee that determines the level of satisfaction. Finally, when it comes to “management”, it is the presence of a good team spirit that gives a better appreciation of the work.
Emotional hyper-investment is the main element that gives rises to dissatisfaction at work. This is followed by the need to carry out socially embarrassing or irritating tasks, and also by the pressure applied by the employer.
Today, public authorities, whether state or European institutions, focus on budgetary balance, revitalisation of the labour market and high unemployment rates in most EU member states. The financial and economic crisis, however, also has an impact on the conditions of work and on how work is seen by individuals. The consequences of this on the economic health of the European area are difficult to quantify but they are present. They can be seen by the level of productivity or by absenteeism, and finally as an ingredient leading to economic growth or, on the contrary, as a brake to investment and to job creation. As the results of the study show, differences between several states are symptomatic, not only of a specific working environment in each country but also of the role played by work organisation and management. On this last point, although it is up to the companies and businesses to act first and foremost, public authorities with targeted policies and legislative framework can also hope to improve workers' rate of satisfaction and, indirectly, to help overcome the crisis. (JK/transl.jl)