A Comprehensive Overview
In December 2024, the National Institute for Research and Safety (INRS) in France published an update on the epidemiological evidence regarding the effects of psychosocial exposures in the workplace. It was authored by Stéphanie Boini and R. Colin of the Department of Occupational Epidemiology, as well as by V. Langevin and M.-A. Gautier of the Department of Medical Studies and Assistance.
The authors compiled systematic reviews and studies published over a twenty-year period, drawing in particular on a meta-review of 72 reviews that included meta-analyses. The exposures are classified according to the six categories of psychosocial risk factors defined by the expert panel chaired by Michel Gollac:
- work intensity and hours;
- emotional demands;
- lack of autonomy;
- the deterioration of social relations in the workplace;
- conflicts of values;
- job insecurity.
For each link, the authors assign a level of certainty—ranging from the highest to “not established”—based on the number and quality of the studies supporting it.
Effects on mental health—but not only that
The most striking finding can be summed up in one sentence: psychosocial factors affect the body just as much as they affect the mind. The summary identifies links to four major categories of health problems:
- mental health: depression, anxiety, burnout, sleep disorders, use of psychotropic medications;
- musculoskeletal disorders, particularly back pain;
- cardiovascular diseases, including ischemic heart disease and strokes;
- workplace accidents.
Here are a few examples, as summarized by the INRS:
| Exposure in the Workplace | Health Effects | What the studies show |
|---|---|---|
| More than 48 hours of work per week | Stroke | An increased risk of more than 20% |
| High psychological demands | Burnout | A risk that is about twice as high |
| Lack of social support | Lower Back Pain | An increased risk of more than 40% |
Other links remain less well studied or have not yet been established at this stage, particularly those involving certain risk behaviors, metabolic syndrome, or adverse pregnancy outcomes. The authors make this point clear: this is also what lends their work its strength.
Factors that work together
Psychosocial factors rarely act alone. Two models, widely used in research, describe the most harmful combinations:
- "job strain" (Karasek model): high psychological demands combined with little leeway;
- the imbalance between effort and reward (Siegrist's model): a significant investment that is not recognized in terms of salary, esteem, or career prospects.
In both cases, the review found an increased risk of mental health issues, musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and workplace accidents.
The authors call for further research: a more in-depth study of the duration of exposures, how they change over time, and multiple exposures—that is, the combination of psychosocial factors and other occupational, physical, or chemical risks. This is precisely what we encounter in the field.
What This Means for Businesses in Switzerland
- A global health issue. A complaint of back pain, an accident, or a prolonged absence from work may have a psychosocial component. Treating each problem separately risks overlooking their common cause.
- The organization comes before the individual. As the authors point out, perceived stress depends on how work is organized. Stress management training has its place, but it is no substitute for addressing workload, autonomy, support, and recognition.
- Social support as a lever. An accessible manager, a supportive team, and genuine recognition of the work accomplished are not merely “bonuses”: their absence is a documented risk factor.
Our Perspective
At IHST, these findings confirm what we observe when working with teams: behind an injury, an absence, or an accident, there are often several work-related factors at play. That is why our integrated approach connects all aspects of work (health, ergonomics, organization, relationships, and safety) and is grounded in the reality of each team.
Research provides us with guidelines; fieldwork tells us where to start. Our role is to connect the two, and then to verify over time that the measures we’ve taken are actually making a difference.
Sources
Boini, S., Colin, R., Langevin, V., & Gautier, M.-A. (2024). Effects of psychosocial exposures on employee health. An update on epidemiological knowledge. Occupational Health References, No. 180, TP 57, pp. 97–111. INRS.
INRS (2025). Psychosocial Risks in the Workplace and Their Effects on Employee Health, press release.
Boini, S. (2025). Psychosocial Risk Factors and Their Effects on Health: Current State of Knowledge, 10th Annual Conference of the Paris Est Institute for Occupational Health, November 20, 2025.
Gollac, M. (ed.) (2011). Measuring Psychosocial Risk Factors in the Workplace to Manage Them, report by the Expert Panel on Monitoring Psychosocial Risks in the Workplace. Definition adopted by the French civil service.
State of Fribourg: What Are Psychosocial Risks?
