Management of Psychosocial Work Environment in a Large Italian Municipality: Preliminary Results of a Multidisciplinary Intervention

Introduction: work-related stress is a major problem for workers in municipalities. Methods: a multidisciplinary intervention to improve psychosocial work environment was carried out in a municipality including more than 1800 employed in 7 areas, 32 sectors and 74 services. The project comprised: a) survey and analysis of the main stressrelated problems using consultants’ reports from the previous three years and collection of objective data; b) design of the intervention including support to work-related stress risk assessment and implementation of a center for promotion of health and well-being ; c) analysis and interpretation of the results. Results: data analyses showed non-comparability of data from the previous risk assessment, the lack of integration between counsellors involved in dealing with stress-related problems and the absence of a municipal policy for work-related stress were the key issues to be addressed. The intervention focused on setting up a working group, managed by a psychologist, involving occupational physicians and counsellors to assess individual cases and general issues and to elaborate specific strategies. The activity carried out revealed as a common denominator the difficulties in managing the communication of managers in relation to employees with mental difficulties. Consequently, specific educational interventions were implemented to improve communication skills. Conclusion: Preliminary analysis highlights the importance of an integrated approach and the role of the occupational physician in improving the management of work-related stress in the context of complex public administrations.