8272158 Defining a European Health Research Agenda for Climate-Resilient Work: Insights from a Stakeholder Survey
Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background and Objective The transition to sustainable work practices and green jobs is reshaping European workplaces with profound implications for occupational health. The INTERCAMBIO Horizon Europe-funded project uniquely engages a broad European stakeholder community to define research priorities at the intersection of climate change, sustainable work, and health. Material and Methods We mapped stakeholders across Europe using networks such as OMEGA-NET and other research collaborations, creating a multi-level community. A short online survey (via REDCap) was distributed to assess perceived climate-related occupational health risks and research needs. Analyses were restricted to complete responses (n=80) using STATA v.18. Findings will guide upcoming structured workshops applying concept mapping to reach consensus on priority research areas. Results We identified over 500 stakeholders across Europe. In a first contact, 91 participants (23.4% response rate) completed the survey, mainly female researchers (72.1%), policymakers (11.6%), and representatives from other organizations (9.3%). Key disciplines among researchers included occupational health (65.5%), environmental health (17.2%), and social sciences (12.1%). Top concerns identified were heat exposure (76.0%), extreme weather events (59.5%), mental health impacts (48.1%), vulnerabilities among outdoor workers (77.2%) and precarious workers (66.7%), and recycling/waste management work (65.4%). Qualitative analysis revealed five major challenges: heat stress, extreme weather, occupational health and safety, mental health, and evolving work-climate dynamics. Participants stressed the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration, inclusive participation, knowledge exchange, and policy integration. Conclusion This unique European stakeholder study highlights urgent needs for research on climate-driven occupational risks and strategies for sustainable, resilient work. Broader stakeholder representation and stronger multi-sectoral platforms are essential to shape a comprehensive European health research agenda addressing climate change and work-related health.
Language: English
Subfield: Occupational Therapy
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4414852960
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