What are we talking about?

The French INRS defines psychosocial risks as risks to mental, physical and social health caused by employment conditions and organisational and relational factors. They include work-related stress, internal violence (conflict, moral or sexual harassment) and external violence (aggression from customers or users).

An employer obligation

Article L. 4121-1 of the French Labour Code requires employers to protect the physical and mental health of employees. Psychosocial risks must therefore be assessed and included in the DUERP, with an action plan.

Three levels of prevention

  • Primary prevention: act on the causes, such as workload, organisation, management and clear roles. It is the most effective.
  • Secondary prevention: help employees cope better, through stress management training, skills development or coaching.
  • Tertiary prevention: support people in difficulty and help them return to work.

Where do coaching and sport fit in?

Personal and professional development coaching, like group physical activities, is secondary prevention: it builds confidence, stress management and team spirit. It is useful, but it does not replace action on how work is organised. The two complement each other.