by Research has found there is clear evidence work is generally good for both our mental and physical health and wellbeing. When not working or out of work, this can lead to poor physical and mental health. Accordingly, this demonstrates that work can be a good therapy for us.
Work helps us and when it is a mentally healthy and physically healthy workplace, this will improve productivity and engagement.
- Mental health problems cost the UK economy at least £117.9 billion annually according to a report published by Mental Health Foundation and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
- Mental health and physical wellbeing programmes can save approximately 30% of these costs.
With an increase in anxiety, stress and depression at work, some senior managers are often unaware of the extent of the problem. Some managers do not realise that it is affecting their workplaces or in some instances ignore it.
Managers
Managers do need effective training and support at work according to a recent survey on how to effectively manage staff with stress and experiencing mental health problems. Almost every day there are opportunities to support people experiencing mental health problems. This can be enabling access to support and the appropriate treatment to remain in their employment. Unfortunately, in some instances these opportunities are being missed in workplaces across the UK. http://www.ysmsolutions.co.uk/stress-risk-assessment-training-course.html
Of course, the job should be classed as a ‘good’ job and not one with many problems leading to high levels of sickness absence and poor performance. ‘Good’ work is better for us and there are many factors which make up a good job such as managing stress effectively, good communication, job security, safe at work, good self-esteem, motivated and satisfied. Prevent Stress and Improve Wellbeing
Benefits
Work can have many benefits and work is good for us, whether as a volunteer or in paid work, the benefits will be the same. It can give us:
- Social interaction
- Wellbeing, safety and security
- Support from our colleagues or co-workers
- Give as a focus
- Money to improve our lifestyle and improve our wellbeing
- Benefits such as membership to a gym whether at a reduced rate or on the premises
- Help us be mentally active and improve ourselves physically
- A sense of pride and achievement and in turn satisfaction
- Flexible work
‘Everyone has a right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment’.
Article 23 of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights
Updated from 11/10/2017
