Health and work are fundamentally interconnected. People’s work and their workplace have a direct and positive impact on their health and wellbeing - either positive or negative.
Work impacts people’s wellbeing - the length of hours, the adequacy of the pay, the level of mental and physical stress, job security, the commute, whether the job is sedentary or physically demanding, even what food is available.
We envision a future where employers demonstrate a commitment to improving their workplaces for the health and wellbeing of their workforce.
Lifting the wellbeing of workers requires influencing and changing policies, strengthening relationships and providing resources. Fulfilling obligations to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and reducing health inequities are fundamental to the work of the workplace health and wellbeing team.
Good Work supports health
There is no one definition of ‘good work’. There are many factors that determine whether work is good or bad for health.
These factors relate to employment terms and conditions; workplace practices, environment and culture; quality of work; as well as more personal factors such as having job satisfaction and feeling valued.
Source: Carnegie UK Trust, 2016 Work and wellbeing Exploring data on inequalities
“Decent work involves opportunity for work that is productive and delivers a fair income, security in the workplace and social protection for families; better prospects for personal development and social integration; freedom for people to express their concerns, organise and participate in the decisions that affect their lives; and equality of opportunity.”
Commission on Social Determinants of Health (2008)
The Workplace Health and Wellbeing team have prioritised four key industry sectors within the Auckland Region as a focus for our work:
Wellplace is a website run by the Health Promotion Agency. It has been developed to bring together practical ideas, tools and resources for people who are leading workplace wellbeing and wellbeing activities in their workplace.
New Zealand Mental Health Foundation: Five Ways of Wellbeing at Work Toolkit
Workplace Policy Builder (building a health and wellbeing policy for your organisation)