The early findings of the European Working Conditions Survey were unveiled on 7 November in Brussels by the director and experts from the Dublin Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions. The survey, done in late 2005 among a sample of nearly 30,000 workers from the EU25 plus Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Turkey, Switzerland and Norway, found that 80% of European workers are 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied' with their working conditions. But, 35% of those surveyed reported that work affects their health.

Actual exposure to risks seems to have stayed broadly unchanged or gone up slightly since 1991. However, the survey found a sharp rise in work intensification, with more people working at high speeds and to tight deadlines. 46% of the EU25 workforce reported having to work at very high speeds three-quarters of the time or more. This is 11% more than in 1990. This increase in work intensity is higher among highly-skilled blue-collar workers.

The pace of work is also a matter of concern. The Dublin Foundation's survey reveals that the pace of work is influenced by factors over which the worker has no control. For up to 90% of service sector employees, the pace of work is determined by direct demands from other people. In the building industry, the pace of work of more than 60% of workers is set by workmates, while pace-of-work in the manufacturing and mining industries is set for 4 in 10 workers by machinery. Looking at factors like workers’ ability to choose in which order they perform tasks, their speed of work or their working methods, the survey reveals that the level of autonomy at work varies with educational level. Unsurprisingly, highly-qualified white-collar workers enjoy most autonomy in their jobs.

The survey also looks at workers' exposure to the main physical risks. Repetitive hand or arm movements are the most commonly cited physical risk, with 62% of the European workforce reporting exposure 25% or more of the time . This is a 4% rise from the 2000 survey. Next come painful or tiring positions, to which 50% of the workers are exposed for at least a quarter of their working time. These risks have a direct impact on workers’ health, as almost a third of the European workforce report suffering from backache, muscular pains and stress.

European workers were also interviewed on their exposure to "new" risks like violence, harassment and bullying at the workplace. The findings show that the way in which workers perceive this risk varies with their cultural environment. Broadly, exposure to violence and threats of violence is greater in northern Europe (Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland) than in the Mediterranean countries (Greece, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Cyprus, Malta). For instance, reported levels of workplace harassment range from 17% in Finland to 2% in Italy, with the worst-affected sectors being education, health and the hospitality industry. The problem is more prevalent in bigger workplaces (250-plus workers) than in SMEs. Exposure to psychosocial risks brings a significantly above-average level of sickness absences.

The full fourth European Working Conditions Survey report will be published in February 2007.

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