Why is Occupational Health Important. Cordant Occupational Health Assisting Wellbeing at Work

Transcription

1 Why is Occupational Health Important Cordant Occupational Health Assisting Wellbeing at Work

2 01 Why is Occupational Health Important? The whole objective of Occupational Safety and Health is to prevent diseases, injuries, and deaths that are due to working conditions; no one should have to suffer a job related injury or disease because of their employment. Significant changes are constantly occurring in the workplace for example: Longer working hours Compacted working weeks Decreased job security The pressure of working weekends to catch up for the week ahead & More people are being employed on a temporary basis All these factors add to stress and sadly are now realities of the modern workplace, which consequently puts increasing pressure on Occupational Health because employment affects the health and lives of workers. Employment is one of the most important factors which determine a person s general state of health. It is common knowledge that illnesses such as stress, depression, anxiety and harassment at work will ultimately affect a person s health. 20% In fact, research indicates that 20% of all difficulties related to health at work because of stress result in a two-week absence from employment. The cost to the UK industry from sick leave caused by mental ill health has been calculated at approximately 8.4 billion. Furthermore, on top of that, the UK has the unfortunate honour of leading the European league tables for levels of stress and obesity.

3 01 Why is Occupational Health Important? Employees vary in terms of age, gender, cultural background; level of education, training, as well as skills and the Occupational Health industry is under significant pressure to accommodate the needs of every employee within their employment in order to adequately satisfy their general wellbeing. However, addressing occupational safety and health presents numerous challenges, for example workplace settings differ in size, design, location, workplace culture and resources; all these issues are relevant and ongoing research is essential to address issues such as improved methods of work and to identify potential hazards. The most impending challenge for occupational health is to confront our present ageing workforce What does this mean? Longer life expectancies and low birth rates collectively influence the demographics of the workforce. It is this simple, today, work life must be extended for the sake of society or else we cannot afford to grow older; furthermore societies are considerably affected by the low employment rates of the older worker. Problems and issues must be addressed now - such as: General opinion and attitude concerning age must be changed Improved age-adjusted conditions to create a flexible working life is now necessary The facts and information based on age-related issues must be increased so that Managers will have a better understanding and can sufficiently accommodate ageing staff Health care services should adequately identify and assist the increasing requirements of older workers.

4 01 Why is Occupational Health Important? The deterrence of work related symptoms as well as disease is a massive priority but more so the question is how can ageing workers remain in full time employment if they have illness? The main focal point should be to develop suitable and appropriate adjustments at work due to the deterioration of health and wellbeing of the older worker. The challenge of an ageing workforce for occupational health necessitates the following: Innovation is crucial for health promotion Prevention of work-related and occupational diseases Reduction in the impairment of work due to disease Further support for disadvantaged workers Promotion of work ability for the older worker Promotion of work life balance

5 02 Work life balance why is it important? Work-Life balance for the Occupational Health industry is one of the most discussed subjects of 2014, and employers are beginning to recognise that an imbalanced lifestyle can consequently affect an employee s satisfaction level as well as productivity and overall job performance. People who work too hard become ineffective because it is impossible to maintain a high level of activity at all times, as it is unreasonable to expect good quality work to be produced from an overworked mind and body. An imbalanced life instigates stress, fatigue, eventual loss of control as well as strained relationships. If a person does not take sufficient time to unwind and recharge then their ability to perform their job decreases and their overall job implementation will be significantly reduced. An employee will eventually experience long-term exhaustion and diminished interest in the company they work for as well as their career. People who have a good work life balance frequently outperform those who do not have a work life balance; as a result it is those people who push themselves too hard that eventually seek the help of occupational health, because their overall health is affected by stress such as not getting sufficient sleep, exercise and not eating properly. Team leaders who promote a healthy work life balance ensure good productivity levels, because they are getting their priorities in order and consequently keep stress levels in their team environment to the minimum.

6 02 Work life balance why is it important? Prolonged stress can lead to other illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and alcoholism. Stamina is important because if a person has good stamina then they will have the physical and mental capacity to do a particular activity for a long period of time but feeling constantly tired will eventually reduce concentration, productivity, overall job performance and will ultimately reduce their level of stamina. If employers of a company promote a good work life balance then the culture of company improves, which consequently increases productivity. For instance: Less sick days and turnover of staff decreases Employees are more approachable, enthusiastic and generally more alert Loyalty will increase and employee-employer relationships improve Increased self esteem

7 03 Self esteem A convinced sense of self-esteem has an impact on how employees operate in the workplace; also positive personal self esteem reflects into the corporate culture of a company. Nowadays companies operate on thinking power, thus the creativity, intellect and innovation of young employees to produce new concepts, business strategies and products but in order to nurture creativity companies must ensure they cultivate a healthy self-esteem amongst their staff by promoting a good work life balance.