What Is an Effectiveness Review?
The effectiveness review is the final – and simultaneously recurring – step of the psychological risk assessment process. It verifies whether the measures implemented actually achieved the desired effect, i.e., whether the identified psychosocial risks have been reduced.
Without an effectiveness review, the risk assessment process is legally incomplete. Measures are only as good as their demonstrated impact.
Legal Requirement
§3 para. 1 ArbSchG requires employers to verify the effectiveness of protective measures. §6 ArbSchG additionally requires documentation of the review result. During workplace inspections, authorities explicitly ask for evidence of effectiveness reviews – their absence renders the risk assessment incomplete.
When to Conduct the Review
Recommended timeframes: 6–12 months after full implementation of measures; 3–6 months for serious risks or quickly implemented measures; immediately following structural changes such as reorganization or remote work introduction.
Review Methods
Repeat survey (recommended): the most reliable approach – repeat the standardized questionnaire from the initial assessment to directly measure changes.
KPI analysis: monitor absenteeism rates, turnover, and grievance reports as proxy indicators.
Focus groups: qualitative dialogue with affected employees, particularly useful for smaller teams.
Documentation Requirements
Document: date and method of the review, comparison with initial values, assessment of measure effectiveness (effective / partially effective / not effective), any new measures required with deadlines and responsible persons, and the signature of the responsible manager.
If Measures Are Ineffective
If the review shows no improvement, a new cycle begins: root cause analysis, development of alternative measures (potentially with external support), implementation, and a new effectiveness review. All steps must be documented.
