Bekämpfung psychosozialer Risiken am Arbeitsplatz – Politischer Kontext und Sozialer Dialog in der erweiterten EU/ Combatting workplace psychosocial risks. Political context and social dialogue within the enlarged European Union

Over the last years, psychosocial risks such as work-related stress, workplace bullying and violence have been increasingly recognized as significant issues in the European Union (EU). Related adverse health effects for employees as well as economic and social costs pose a growing challenge to the EU member states. This article examines two main approaches in the EU to combat psychosocial risks - the legislative framework on occupational health and safety and activities of the European social partners, who in the context of Social Dialogue concluded two framework agreements (on work-related stress and on violence and harassment). Against this background, a European research project (PRIMA-EF, www.prima-ef.org) explored the question of if and how Social Dialogue can contribute to combating psychosocial risks at work and what recommendations for policy and practice can be derived - considering also recent challenges in connection with EU enlargement.