Health and work

There is a growing realisation, now backed by evidence, that work can be good for health but that the quality of work is important.

Work provides us with pay and a standard of living, as well as status, companionship and a sense of purpose. Good work with an appropriate work-life balance is generally good for our health and wellbeing.

Addressing wellbeing at work increases productivity by as much as 12%3. Historically our industry’s focus has been on preventing harm by stopping accidents. 

However, less attention has been given to psychosocial (mental health) risks as well as the link between physical and mental health. While some businesses now have counselling helplines, such as employee assistance programmes, few workers know about them or trust them so uptake is low; and in any case, they tend to be reactive rather than preventive: sometimes too little, too late.