European Health Union: a new comprehensive approach to mental health

The European Commission has introduced a new approach to mental health as part of the European Health Union, aiming to prioritise mental well-being alongside physical health. Mental health issues already affected 1 in 6 people in the EU before the COVID-19 pandemic, and the situation has worsened due to recent crises.

EU action on mental health will focus on three key principles: prevention, access to high-quality and affordable mental healthcare, and reintegration into society after recovery.

What’s more, around half of European workers consider stress to be common in their workplace and it contributes to around half of all lost working days.

EU-OSHA will contribute to the EU action plan to ensure good mental health at work by raising awareness and improving prevention. This includes a research project on psychosocial risks at work including information on good practices on returning to work and working with mental health conditions and a future EU-wide Healthy Workplaces awareness-raising campaign on mental health with a focus on new and overlooked occupational groups, sectors and areas. Another research project in the Health and social care sector also covers mental health issues.

Read the EC communication A comprehensive approach to mental health

See the EC page on mental health and watch the short video Mental health matters

Check out the Healthy workers, thriving companies – a practical guide to wellbeing at work

Check out the infographic on Stress and mental health at work