Experts propose new risk system
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Denmark has come up with a new approach to tackling workplace mental health risks.
The nation’s National Research Centre for the Working Environment has introduced the Psychosocial Hierarchy of Controls (P-HOC), a revised framework focused on addressing psychosocial hazards such as excessive workloads, conflicting demands, and poor managerial support.
Detailed in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine, the study highlights the shortcomings of traditional models, which often overlook the complex nature of psychosocial risks.
“Our findings show that focusing solely on individual-based approaches and administrative controls is not enough to improve the psychosocial work environment,” said lead researcher Asta Kjærgaard.
“Organisational measures have a more substantial and lasting impact.”
To develop the P-HOC, researchers analysed workplace interventions through literature reviews and case studies involving nine companies participating in existing labour inspection strategies.
The study found a predominant focus on lower-level measures such as stress management workshops, employee training, and administrative policies.
While these efforts showed modest improvements in workplace culture and mental well-being, they often fell short in driving lasting change.
In contrast, companies that adopted higher-level interventions - like reducing workloads, restructuring management systems, and redesigning work processes - reported significantly better outcomes.
One hospital, for instance, saw a notable drop in long-term sick leave after combining crisis psychological support with team restructuring and workload adjustments.
The research also critiques the overreliance on administrative measures, which often serve as superficial fixes rather than addressing the root causes of workplace stress.
While such policies can raise awareness, they are rarely enough to create substantial improvements on their own.
The report concludes that comprehensive, multi-faceted strategies are key to improving mental health at work.
“Companies prioritising higher-level interventions experienced greater efficacy, particularly when employing multifaceted approaches,” the authors note.
The full study is accessible here.
