European countries face common challenges in ensuring a well-performing health workforce in times of existing and projected shortages. One of the multiple aspects that determine the supply and performance of health workers is the work environment, which plays a critical role. Given the demographic changes expected in the coming decades, labour markets will experience increased competition for talent. Recruitment and retention of health professionals are priorities in the health sector. Evidence suggests that the work environment is an important factor in the recruitment and retention of health workers. Furthermore, the work environment can influence the quality of care. Its characteristics affect organizational functionality, individual satisfaction, the balance between work and family life, continuous development, and the organizational culture. Poor work environments contribute to medical errors, stress and “burn-out”, absenteeism and high levels of staff turnover, which, in turn, compromise the quality of care. As a working definition, an attractive and supportive workplace can be described as an environment that attracts individuals into the health professions, encourages them to remain in the health workforce and enables them to perform effectively. In order to develop coherent policies to ensure a work environment that attracts and retains health professionals, policy responses have to be considered at four levels: international/regional level; national level; sectoral level; and local/organizational level. Improvement of the work environment will require the use of measures that are relevant to (and applicable in) the specific context of a given health system. These measures should also observe international standards and take account of regional harmonization efforts. Effective solutions are context-related and therefore priority has to be given to the local and organizational level; the other levels provide the legislative and regulatory framework, guidance and support for the development of workplace policies