Interventions to promote mental and physical health in changing working environments due to climate change, sustainable work practices, and in green jobs

Work environments are rapidly changing in Europe. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an acceleration of a range of complex and multidimensional trends at the workplace. There is also increasing awareness of the importance of mental and physical health of workers and fundamental interconnections of work, health and well-being. Climate change is further shaping the future of work on an unprecedented scale. European economies are undergoing transformation and reorientation towards sustainability. The European Green Deal is reforming the workplace through implementation of new sustainable work practices and policies, circular economy solutions, and rapid expansion of work in green jobs, resulting in novel workplace exposures with likely impacts on health. Increases in complex algorithmic management and performance monitoring are also taking place with a view towards sustainability. There have been calls towards inclusive green economies ensuring social protection, and the creation of decent green jobs. The overall objective of the INTERCAMBIO project is to promote mental and physical health of workers in changing work environments due to climate change, implementation of new working practices, and among workers in green jobs. We will examine key research questions regarding mental and physical health of workers and conduct detailed evaluation of interventions in strategic industries in Europe relevant to green and digital transitions, including in outdoor construction, health care, public transit, renewable energy (wind turbine), and waste management/recycling using a variety of multidisciplinary and state-of-the-art research methods. We will leverage large, geographically diverse longitudinal cohort consortia for new climate-related studies, promote a framework for social protection, and engage multi-level stakeholders. Findings are expected to have major scientific and societal relevance and will provide support for new policy action in occupational health.