Key information
Publication type: General
Publication date:
Contents
Work plays a key role in keeping people in good physical and mental health.
- Those out of work experience poorer physical and mental health, consult their GP more, and have higher death rates.
- Returning to work after a period of unemployment is shown to improve the health status of all age groups.
A Populus survey commissioned by the London Assembly Health Committee, has revealed some surprising attitudes from Londoners to the health of their workplaces.
The committee has published a report focusing on how to improve workplace health.
Key facts
- Healthy work is not just the avoidance of harmful work practices, but the creation of positive wellbeing within workplaces and workforces.
- Autonomy and job security are key principles of healthy work.
- We need to challenge the idea that there will always be some bad or unhealthy jobs.
Recommendations
- Commission research on healthy work in lower-paid sectors
- Explore the reasons for poor health outcomes at work for the 55-64 age bracket
- Update the Healthy Schools London programme to help young people recognise healthy and unhealthy work.
- Set out how the Healthy Workplace Charter can be expanded to a far greater number of employers
- Push for greater management training that emphasises healthy workplace management
- Support networks of smaller businesses to work together to realise health benefits at a cross-organisational level.
Back to table of contents
Related documents
Work and Health findings report