FBK@ease is back: the work-related stress (SLC) assessment project aimed at enhancing organizational wellbeing.
The assessment will follow the INAIL methodology, a direct implementation of Legislative Decree 81/2008. This multi-phase protocol aims to identify potential psychosocial risks within our centers and will be integrated with "tools for analyzing remote work and technological innovation to ensure their effective implementation while safeguarding health and safety." Additionally, an organizational climate analysis will be conducted.
Stress is generally defined as "a condition which may be accompanied by physical, psychological, or social complaints or dysfunctions and which results from the fact that some individuals feel unable to bridge the gap with the requirements or expectations placed on them." Work-Related Stress (SLC) specifically refers to the "imbalance occurring when a worker feels unable to meet job demands." It is driven by factors related to both Work Content and Work Context (e.g., organizational management, communication, and interpersonal relationships).
The assessment is thus a fundamental tool—not only for managing SLC on par with all other statutory risks but also for implementing corrective measures to improve the quality of working life. It aims to promote staff health according to the WHO definition: "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."
Psychologists Dr. Bailoni and Dr. Libardi have been appointed to lead the assessment. The project involves the Workers' Safety Representatives (RLS) and several internal departments (including Human Resources and Health & Safety), in collaboration with the Psychological Wellbeing Support Service (Dr. Chiara Vicario) and the Confidential Counsellor (Dr. Francesca Pidone).
Project Objectives
The primary objectives of FBK@ease 2026 are:
INAIL Assessment Methodology
The INAIL method for Work-Related Stress assessment consists of four phases:
- Preparatory Phase: Formation of the Management Group (the supervisors overseeing the process). This phase also involves identifying Homogeneous Groups: clusters of employees sharing similar duties, contractual conditions, or organizational placement.
- Preliminary Assessment: Members of the Management Group collaborate to complete a Checklist. This grid measures Sentinel Events (e.g., injury rates) and various dimensions of work Context (e.g., home-work interface) and Content (e.g., organizational role).
- In-depth Assessment: Analytical collection of workers' perceptions regarding the preliminary results. This phase may involve self-report questionnaires and/or focus groups.
Final Report: Data from previous phases are aggregated anonymously into a report, which is then attached to the Risk Assessment Document (DVR).
Project Phases
Follow the progress of each phase:
Preparatory Phase
The Extended Assessment Committee held its first meeting on February 20.
During the meeting, the psychologists gathered input to ensure an optimal launch and
define the roadmap for the coming months. Homogeneous Groups were also
established.
The actual assessment will be managed by the Management Group, responsible for the
entire process, including timelines and operational efficacy.
Preliminary Assessment
Scheduled for March and April 2026. The Management Group will actively complete the Checklist focusing on work context and content.
In-depth Assessment
All FBK staff will be invited to complete a self-report questionnaire. Your input is essential for designing effective corrective measures. Participants will be entered into a draw for Wellbeing Award (stay tuned to FBK Live for updates!).
The survey will focus on the intensification of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) use at work, as well as hybrid work management models. Additionally, focus groups with randomly selected staff members will be conducted to involve personnel directly in identifying potential improvements.
Final Report & Sharing
Following the second assessment phase, a final report will be drafted as an update to the Risk Assessment Document (DVR). The Committee will then propose monitoring measures and organizational wellbeing initiatives.
Final Report & Sharing
Following the second assessment phase, a final report will be drafted as an update to the Risk Assessment Document (DVR). The Committee will then propose monitoring measures and organizational wellbeing initiatives.
Management Group
Committee Members:
- Alessandro Dalla Torre, Head of Human Resources
- Nicola Frizzera, HR Data Analyst
- Manuel Rezza, Head of Prevention and Protection (RSPP) & Environment, Health, and Safety Unit
- Mario Russo, Environment, Health, and Safety Unit
- Francesca Pidone, FBK Confidential Counsellor
- Chiara Vicario, Head of FBK Psychological Wellbeing Support Service
- Tiziana Martinelli, Welfare Specialist
- Martina Maserati, Wellbeing Specialist
- Manuela Bacca, D&I Specialist
- Silvia Rensi, Marco Liuzzo, Internal Communication
- Marco Fabbri, Occupational Physician (MC)
- Severino Pedrotti, Davide Ferraresso, Sara Ferrari, Matteo Fadini, Workers' Safety Representatives (RLS)
- Giampaolo Libardi, Psychologist
- Manuela Bailoni, Psychologist
- Elisa Romeo, Psychology Intern
Project Contacts
Contact details for the FBK@ease project leads are provided below.
- Project Email: [email protected]
- Elisa Romeo: [email protected]
- Nicola Frizzera: [email protected]