Boostress_ebook

Page | 6 www.boostress.eu had been affected by exposure to psychosocial risks. Among workers with a work-related health problem, ‘stress, depression or anxiety’ was reported as the most serious health problem by 14% (EU OSHA, 2014). There have been significant changes in workplaces in recent times resulting in new occupational safety and health challenges. Increased globalization, advances in information and communication technology, new types of contractual and working time arrangements as well as significant demographic changes (EU-OSHA, 2007) have all contributed to work intensification, constant time pressure, multitasking and the need to learn new things just to maintain the status quo (Rosa, 2013). The 2009 Austrian Employee Health Monitor revealed that 42% of white-collar workers taking early retirement do so because of work-related psychosocial disorders (EuroFound, 2010). However, this is not only an issue which affects experienced employees who are finding it hard to cope with an emerging European working-culture that is making the task of work-life balance ever more difficult. There are many of today's young workforce for whom the transition from education to employment is one that has proved incredibly problematic. With youth unemployment at unprecedented levels and significant shortages of employment opportunities as different industrial sectors contracted, the focus for many young people in the last 10 years has just been on finding a job; without necessarily finding employment the aligns with their level of education or their potential. As the EU economy continues to recover, many young people remain trapped in unsuitable employments with many working below their qualification level in sectors where their skills and competences are undervalued. For those young professionals, particularly those with limited professional experience due to the European economic downturn of the last decade, they lack the coping skills and strategies to be able to manage their work- related stress. Today, there are approximately 217 million workers in the EU and work-related psychosocial risks and stress affect more than 40 million workers each year (EuroFound, 2013). The biggest stress factor identified is concern around possible job loss. Modern working life creates tremendous personal and occupational pressures, which need immediate management and successful resolution. Stress must be managed with a rational, calm and controlled approach. It is in view of supporting young professionals to adopt this new approach to stress management, that the BooStress project is being developed. Stress Management in Europe Within the European labour market, at present, there are 17 million young people aged between 20 and 34 who are classed as neither in employment nor in education and training (NEETS). While figures for this age group are not readily available at a European level, 35% of Europe’s aged 15-24 are currently engaged in employment on a full- and part-time basis; and 79.9% of adults aged 25-54 are currently in employment (OECD, 2018). Research shows, and European policy highlights, that paid employment is crucial for ensuring sufficient living standards for European citizens and it contributes to economic performance, quality of life and social inclusion. Despite the awareness of the importance of meaningful and secure employment for ensuring the future economic prosperity of Europe, and the well-being of its citizens, in 2016, 10.8 million people across Europe worked in occupations below their qualification level. Education attainment levels contribute to the disparities in employment rates between different labour groups within the European economy; with employment rates generally higher for more educated young people. Young professionals from disadvantaged backgrounds generally have participation rates of 64% in the labour market in Europe . Here the term ‘disadvantaged’ is defined as individuals who are ‘at risk of poverty, material deprivation, low work intensity and social exclusion’ (Eurostat, 2018).