Why NOW is the time for work and health
Recent months have seen several exciting developments from a work and health perspective that suggest a general uptick in interest from wider stakeholders outside the occupational health community.
The relatively small occupational health community is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to stakeholders on issues around work and health, which have the broadest possible health and economic policy implications. Attention on work and health has been dialling up since the pandemic. This momentum must propel research, policy and public understanding forward. Occupational health crosses government departments and extends beyond healthcare. Clinical and academic expertise and leadership in occupational health is necessary to guide evidence-based change in this uniquely interdisciplinary space.
While a main focus in the UK has been economic inactivity secondary to long term ill health and the associated social determinants of health, there are new issues emerging regarding work and health on the global stage, including the relationship between work, health and the environment through climate change and the impact of technology on work and health. The need for investment, interdisciplinary working and expertise will only increase.
Here are just four examples that I think demonstrate relatively recent wider stakeholder recognition on work and health. Hopefully, things are at a turning point.
Two government consultations are underway, one on tax incentives for occupational health and another aimed at increasing employer uptake of occupational health services
The Health Foundation is launching a commission exploring work and health and has just closed applications to prospective research partners
Mainstream media coverage both on the policy priorities around rising rates of economic inactivity and on wider issues around work and health including how perspectives have changed since the covid-19 pandemic
The Lancet’s upcoming commissioned work and health series with a global focus
This week is occupational health awareness week!
Find out more about what a career in OH involves or how to upskill from a different clinical background.