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excessive working hours lead to an increase in the
number of work-related accidents and mental strain.
•
If workers need to be available outside normal work-
ing hours, for example, in order to respond quick-
ly to customers’ requirements, it is difficult to plan
reliable work hours and recovery hours. As a result,
social contact and commitments suffer.
•
Flexible work must be planned and requires a good
level of self-organisation. The personal skills needed
for this (e.g. IT and multimedia skills) are not neces-
sarily available and training must be provided.
•
Occupational mobility also requires a high degree
of planning and coordination. Mobile workers often
have a poor working environment in terms of ergo-
nomics and working conditions. The opportunity to
change and improve “non-stationary” working spac-
es outside of a company is limited.
•
Working in a “virtual team” or in the field can lead
to a significant feeling of isolation. The exchange
of ideas and personal social contact no longer take
place “across the desk” or “in the corridor” but rath-
er requires effort to organise. There is only limited
social support from colleagues, supervisors and
managers. The decline in the level of cooperation
and communication can only be partially compen-
sated by the use of social media.
•
Constantly adapting one’s skills and qualifications
in order to meet changing requirements throughout
New Forms of Prevention
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