HEALTH AND WORK

Debra Morrison, Laura Hanson,

and Nadine Cruickshank

AGENDA

1. Fish Philosophy (video) and discussion (10 min)

2. Introduction to health and work (5 min)3. Exercise 1: (...............) (30 min)4. Exercise 2 : Generations and Critical Social

Theory (30 min)5. Wrap up (5 min)

OBJECTIVES

Provide an overall understanding of workplace health: Identify factors influencing the health of workers Identify issues that businesses are faced with

that affect workers health Identify the effects of an unhealthy workplace

INGREDIENTS OF A HEALTHY WORKPLACE

Participation by employees Culture of openness and honesty Work-life balance Safe and healthy environments Valued employees Job control for employees Opportunities to develop and utilize skills

COMPREHENSIVE WORKPLACE HEALTH PROMOTION

WHAT CAUSES UNHEALTHY WORKPLACES

Stress and mental health related problems 51% of Canadian workers say they have

experienced a large amount of stress at work.

Increased working hours Intense job demands Lack of communication with

managers/supervisors Lack of control over the pace of work Lack of work-life balance....and the list goes on....

AFFECTS OF STRESS

COSTS OF UNHEALTHY WORKERS

8.6 billion dollars annually in Canada for employee absences

Absences due to personal reasons: family and personal responsibilities, disabilities, and illness

Employees who smoke contribute to an increase cost for companies (between $2,308 and $2,613) than non smokers.

Workers between the ages of (55-64) average twice as many sick days than their younger colleagues. Absenteeism and benefit costs will likely increase if older workers do not improve their health.

BENEFITS OF A HEALTH WORKPLACE

↓ in absenteeism and injury Reduce workers compensation and insurance

claims ↑ in production ↑ staff morale and attitudes towards the

workplace ↑ in job performance Decrease costs related to recruitment,

orientation, and training ↓ in staff turn overs

CHALLENGES BUSINESSES ARE FACED WITH TODAY

Control over absentissm

Attracting and retaining employees

Competing priorities at work and at home

“Economic recession”

WHAT WORKERS WANT

Employers who treat them with respect Recognition for accomplishments Coworkers and employers who are helpful

and friendly Good communication amongst coworkers Work and family balance Proper training for the job Job security

CPRN - EKOS Changing Employment Relationships Survey (2000).

EXERCISE 1: (...........)

EXERCISE 2: GENERATIONS