Minister Calls Talks to Address Costly Workplace Stress

Severe work stress in Denmark reduces the workforce by up to 39,000 people. This issue affects workplace health and labor stability across Danish industries. Economic and Interior Affairs Minister Pia Olsen Dyhr called for urgent action. She will hold a roundtable discussion on Friday to discuss stress prevention. Union leaders and employer groups will attend the meeting.

The move follows a new report by the Danish Economic Council. The report shows stress cuts the labor supply by 16,000 to 39,000 workers. Over ten percent of severely stressed workers never return to employment. Also, over one-third of disability pension recipients suffered severe stress reactions.

Dyhr noted that stress makes both families and society poorer. Chief Economic Adviser Jakob Roland Munch warned of long-lasting labor market harm. Still, stress rates have not grown over the past twenty years.

Dyhr said Denmark must focus on prevention rather than late treatment. The proposed 2027 budget sets aside 50 million DKK for prevention. The government wants better evidence before deciding on future measures.