Croatia: health and employment

Overview

Being in good health and improving health benefit individuals, employers, wider society and the national economy. A significant problem in Croatia is the large number of people not working because of health-related problems. Work-related physical and mental disorders represent an increasing burden to the health-care system and employers with mental disorders as the main cause of disability. In Croatia long working hours, a perceived higher level of job insecurity and poor work–life balance contribute to high stress levels. Integrated comprehensive policies targeting the structural characteristics of organizations are more effective and cost-effective in addressing work-related health issues.

Key stakeholders are:

• national, regional and local government policy-makers;
• ministries;
• employers;
• unions; and
• nongovernmental organizations.

The most effective interventions aim to improve work quality, employee health and occupational health support; promote active labour market programmes and sustainable and equitable economic growth; and integrate lifelong learning into work and health policies.