interaction and social support and increase feelings of isolation and loneliness. The introduction of faster data processing, algorithmic management and audible command technologies means that the pace of work will become faster, and workers might have less control and autonomy. As a result, work-related stress is expected to increase. The use of performanceenhancing drugs, that can lead to addiction, has been observed in organisational cultures of longer working hours and/or strict, often algorithmic, performance monitoring. Cyberbullying has also been increasing in virtual work and is associated with a rise in mental ill health problems, such as anxiety and depression. Sedentary work is common in virtual work and can lead to obesity, heart disease, diabetes and musculoskeletal problems and further mental health challenges. As the use of new smart equipment and devices such as virtual reality (VR) headsets increases, this can present challenges in terms of eye strain, repetitive strain injury, increased cognitive load and decreased situational awareness. Cybersickness, which refers to physiological symptoms such as nausea and dizziness experienced as result of exposure to a virtual environment, is expected to become more prevalent with the increased use of VR headsets. In the case of interacting with robots through VR interfaces and avatars, more cognitive load and technostress are possible, especially if the robot controls the pace of work and outpaces the worker. Numerous health effects on workers have also been linked to climate change, including injuries, cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory conditions and effects on their mental health. There are both direct and indirect effects on mental health: mental distress, anxiety, mood disorders, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, domestic violence and depression after acute events. Additionally, increased conflicts and security threats have meant an increased burden of mental disorders in conflict-affected populations. Specific occupations where workers are exposed to insecure conditions and trauma carry a significant burden. These include first responders, recovery workers and humanitarian workers who are affected by PTSD, depression, high job strain, work overload and negative health outcomes. ADDRESSING PRIORITIES The Centre for Organisational Health and Well-being and the Work Foundation at Lancaster University are leading a research programme on the psychosocial work environment and sustainable work that feeds directly into national and international policies and practices in these areas. At national level, we have published two reports. The first was launched in 2024. It outlined how jobs can be made healthier to tackle economic inactivity on the basis of findings from various strands of research: analysis of the Understanding Society survey between 2017/18 and 2021/22, and tracking the employment and health journeys of 9,169 people; a survey of 1,167 UK based employers; a roundtable with employers in the north-west and semistructured interviews with employers and experts. The second was launched in 2025 and supplemented our previous findings presenting worker views on health and employment, based on a representative UK-wide survey of 3,796 working people. We have engaged with various stakeholders in the last two years to ensure impact. These included roundtables in Lancaster, Liverpool and London, as well as the launch of our Work and Health Forum and Work and Health Summit. The inaugural summit in Westminster aimed to position Lancaster as a leader in work and health research at a pivotal time in the UK Government’s Get Britain Working policy agenda. More than 120 leaders attended the summit, which featured discussions on young people’s health and mental health in the workplace. We are currently conducting a new employer survey, with future forums and summits planned. Later in 2026, we are also launching a three-year £1.8 million research programme, funded by the National Institute for Health Research, to promote sustainable work through healthy psychosocial work environments. At international level, I am supporting policymaking through work with the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the European Commission and trade unions. As part of this, I have led the development of the first international standard on psychosocial risks at work. My work is currently being used by a working group of governments, employers and trade unions examining the possible development of new EU legislation in this area, and I am advising the ILO on their 2026 World Day for Safety and Health at Work report that will be dedicated to healthy psychosocial work environments. Sustainable work and healthy psychosocial work environments are key priorities in the future of work. Our research and impact work position us as leaders in these areas nationally and internationally. As we embark on new research and engagement initiatives, we look forward to collaborating with colleagues across the University, as well as partner organisations across the nation. FIFTY FOUR DEGREES | 29 Stavroula Leka is Professor of Organisations, Work and Health and Director of the Centre for Organisational Health and Well-being at Lancaster University. She is also Professor Emerita of Work and Health Policy at the University of Nottingham and the President of the European Academy of Occupational Health Psychology. stavroula.leka@lancaster.ac.uk
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTI5NzM=