Mental health in focus: Why GBU Psyche is legally binding for companies

Steven Jones
Nov 2025

What is the GBU Psyche?

The GBU Psyche is used for the systematic analysis and evaluation of psychological stress factors in the workplace. Working conditions such as high work intensity, lack of breaks or poor communication are recorded in order to take appropriate measures to reduce stress and psychological stress. These measures protect the health of employees and promote their performance and satisfaction in the company. Since 2013, the implementation of the GBU Psyche has been mandatory for all companies in Germany.

The legal requirements for GBU Psyche are based on the Occupational Health and Safety Act (ArbSchG) and EU Regulation 89/391 EEC. Both regulations require companies to take measures to identify and reduce psychological stress on their employees. Failure to comply with these obligations may have serious consequences. For example, companies that do not properly implement the GBU Psyche risk fines and compensation claims should employees become unable to work due to mental illness or even have to retire early (BGW, 2024).

Obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act

Implementing a GBU Psyche ensures that companies fulfill their duty of care and create a healthy working environment. However, it is important to note that it is not about diagnosing individual mental illnesses, but about evaluating and optimizing working conditions in order to minimize psychological stress. If employers do not carry out this assessment or do it inadequately, the responsible institutions may impose fines (State Office for Health and Social Affairs, 2017).

In order to avoid legal disputes, companies must not only carry out the GBU Psyche regularly, but also document it completely. This includes both recording stress factors and measures to improve working conditions. Careful documentation offers the best protection in the event of checks or lawsuits, as it proves that the company has fulfilled its obligations (DGVU, 2022).

Carrying out a GBU Psyche should not only be seen as a chore, but as an opportunity to act preventively and promote employee well-being. Companies that are aware of their responsibilities and invest in the mental health of their employees benefit from happier and more efficient teams in the long term. At the same time, they minimize the risk of legal disputes and increase their attractiveness as employers.

What psychological stress factors are there?

Psychological stress factors can be diverse and often depend on the type of work and the specific working conditions. Common stress factors include:

  • High labor intensity and time pressure: When employees are constantly under pressure to meet deadlines or have to complete too many tasks in too short a time, this often leads to stress and exhaustion.
  • Lack of breaks and overtime: Regular breaks are essential to relax the body and mind. If these are missing or overtime becomes the norm, this can lead to exhaustion and burnout.
  • Poor communication within the team: If communication between employees and supervisors is poor, this can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts and a poor working environment, which in turn affects mental health.
  • Lack of autonomy and control: Employees who feel they have no influence on their work or decisions often feel more stress and pressure.
  • Conflicts and bullying: Conflicts at work, whether between colleagues or with supervisors, as well as bullying situations can have a severe impact on mental health.
  • Monotonous activities: Employees who have to perform the same tasks over and over again, without variety or opportunities for further development, often suffer from psychological stress such as boredom and frustration.

Recording and reducing these burdens is an essential part of the GBU psyche. The aim is to identify such risk factors and address them in a targeted manner in order to make the working environment healthier. However, the GBU Psyche not only aims to identify stress factors, but also to develop Occupational safety measuresto reduce them. These include, for example:

  • Adjustment of working hours: Flexible working hours or the option to work from home can reduce the pressure of having to be available at all times.
  • Improving communication: Regular team meetings and clear communication structures help to avoid misunderstandings and improve the working environment.
  • Empowering employees: Continuing education opportunities and involving employees in decision-making processes give them the feeling of being valued and having an influence on work processes.
  • stress management measures: The well-being of employees can be increased by introducing stress management training, relaxation techniques or occupational health promotion programs. A targeted stress management should be an integral part of prevention measures.

The GBU Psyche as a digitalized tool of the future — legally secure and up to date

Modern companies are increasingly using digitized solutions to record, analyze and reduce psychological stress. This development offers numerous benefits and makes it easier for companies to meet their legal obligations more efficiently. Future-oriented companies are increasingly using digital tools to carry out the risk assessment of psychological stress. These tools offer the advantage that they can be used flexibly, anywhere and often in real time. Employees can take part in digital surveys or checklists that record psychological stress in everyday working life.

The results of these surveys are then systematically evaluated so that the company can take quick and targeted measures. By using software solutions, working conditions, stress factors and the general psychological well-being of employees can be monitored continuously and transparently. This results in a better and faster response to identified problems, as digital systems not only facilitate evaluation, but also make the entire GBU Psyche process more efficient.

Benefits of digitization in the GBU psyche

The digitization of the GBU psyche and health support measures has a number of advantages:

  • Increased flexibility: Employees can take part in digital offerings whenever and wherever they want, which is particularly advantageous in times of home office and flexible working models.
  • Efficient data collection: With digital tools, psychological stress can be continuously recorded and evaluated. This makes it easier for companies to take preventive action before mental illnesses occur.
  • Individual customization options: Digital health services can be adapted to the specific needs of employees, which significantly increases their effectiveness.
  • Cost savings: Digital solutions are often cheaper than traditional face-to-face offerings, as they require no additional space or travel expenses.

GBU Psyche is not only a legal obligation, but also an essential measure to promote mental health in companies. Digitalization offers valuable support here by simplifying the process of recording and evaluating psychological stress and providing companies with modern, location-independent solutions.

Supplemented by digital health promotion programs, GBU Psyche can not only legal certainty but also make an important contribution to long-term employee satisfaction and corporate health. In a digitalized working world, companies should take advantage of the opportunities offered by digital tools and online offerings to provide their employees with the best possible support and promote well-being at work.

Learn more about the new standard in psychological risk assessment now.

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About the drafters

Steven Jones

Steven Jones is a psychologist, sports scientist, biofeedback expert and Chief Psychological Officer at mentalport. With over 15 years of experience in psychological test diagnostics and neurofeedback therapy, he ran his own practice before co-founding mentalport. His expertise: evidence-based interventions, HRV-based stress management and human factors training in aviation. At mentalport, he is responsible for the scientific validation of all coaching modules and the integration of smart approaches into the app. He has always been enthusiastic about digitizing psychology.

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