Temporary Agency Work and Mental Health in Europe – Decent Work As a Long-Term Goal

Temporary agency work is a fast growing form of employment in the European Union. From 2012 to 2013 alone, the proportion of temporary agency workers increased by 9,6 % (Ciett, 2015). On the one hand temporary work is a helpful strategy to integrate unemployed persons into the labour market. On the other hand this form of employment is linked to numerous health risks. Our systematic review that was conducted within the scope of the large-scale research project „Mental Health in the Working World“ of the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) demonstrates that temporary agency work is an important determinant of occupational health.

Based on 29 studies from Europe, our review shows that temporary agency work is associated with an increasing risk to develop symptoms of depression and burnout. In addition, compared to employees with regular contracts, temporary agency workers report less job satisfaction and motivation. These health risks are often attributed to the potentially precarious character of temporary agency work which results from insecure and harmful working conditions (Dörre, 2009; Dütsch, 2011; Isaksson & Bellagh, 2002; Kvasnicka, 2003; Wagenaar et al., 2012). Despite the statutory principle of equal treatment, various studies illustrate that temporary agency workers are more likely to be part of low income groups, that their work is often dominated by dangerous working conditions, and that they receive less training than regular workers (Becker & Engel 2015; Eurofound, 2007; Schuring, van Oosten & Burdorf, 2013).

In our contribution we will present empirical results of our systematic review. Given the potentially precarious character of temporary agency work we will discuss possible underlying mechanisms. Finally, we will focus on current legal regulations and future/ prospective changes in regulations capable of improving working conditions and hence health-related aspects of temporary agency workers.