This report aims at presenting trends on work-related stress in both developed and developing countries with a view to raising awareness of the magnitude of the problem in the new context of the world of work. It also explores the gender dimension of the impact of stress in the working population. For instance, it explains how in most societies women continue to be mainly responsible for domestic, unpaid work such as cooking, cleaning and caring for children, and therefore they carry a double burden when they are employed.

Women are also largely represented among unpaid contributing family workers, such as those who work in a business establishment for a relative who lives in the same household as they do. Balancing responsibilities for paid and unpaid work often leads to stress, depression and fatigue, and can be particularly problematic when income is low and social services and support are lacking.

The report also indicates that the psychosocial hazards that may be more frequent and specific to women include: (i) the double role they have to play at home and work; (ii) the gender roles of society and the influence of social expectations; (iii) the risk of sexual harassment at work or domestic violence; and (iv) gender based discrimination reflected in lower wages and higher job requirements.