Introduction: In the light of changing working conditions and demographic developments, questions concerning the extent and the consequences of the (increasing) psychosocial workload among workers are arising. Methods: The risk of developing poor mental health (degree of mental exhaustion) was assessed among 30,693 working people with at least 20 weekly working hours. The sample was selected from a representative assessment of a 0.1 % sample of the working population in Germany (BIBB/IAB-Strukturerhebung 1998/99). Results: Out of 67 occupations, seven teaching professions ranked highest, with significantly increased risks for poor mental health: teachers from special schools (e.g. for handicapped students) were 3.4 times more at risk (odds ratio, OR) and teachers at schools for complementary education of apprentices were second (OR 2.8). The seven teaching professions were followed by “social professions” such as kindergarten teachers, nursing staff, old people’s nurses and social workers. The lowest risks for poor mental health were found especially among craftsmen (e. g. carpenters, OR 0.4). Self-reported work pressure could not statistically explain poor mental health sufficiently. Instead, occupations with a higher risk for poor mental health are characterised by the following distinct occupational exposure situation: continuous work with people whose co-operation is necessary for reaching the work target, but whose co-operation is often lacking. We regard this constellation as especially critical for the development of workrelated poor mental health. Conclusions: The strong consistency of the findings implies that the increased psychosocial workload of the identified occupational groups (especially teachers) must be taken seriously and that preventive measures are necessary. The establishment of regular panel assessments of the working conditions among the workforce in Germany would be useful to allow the early identification of the psychological workload and stress among occupational groups and to implement preventive measures at an early stage.
