Mental workload (psychische Belastung)
Also: psychische Belastung, psychosocial risks, work-related stress
Definition
Mental workload is the totality of external influences that act on people psychologically – work intensity, scope for action, social relations, working hours, work environment. Since 2013, it has been an explicit part of the risk assessment in Germany (Section 5 (3) No. 6 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act).
Workload is neutral at first; it becomes a problem when it leads to adverse strain – exhaustion, stress, monotony. The risk assessment therefore covers working conditions, not the psyche of individuals. Methods include employee surveys, observation interviews and moderated workshops; the Joint German Occupational Safety and Health Strategy (GDA) provides guidelines.
Typical measures: adjust workload and staffing, reduce interruptions, broaden scope for action, regulate availability, train managers.
Legal basis
- Section 5 (3) No. 6 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act
- GDA guideline on advice and supervision regarding mental workload at work
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Related terms
This glossary entry gives a general overview of German occupational safety law and does not replace legal advice. The regulations in force and the rules of the statutory accident insurance institutions are authoritative.
