Realising the Health Benefits of Work

Work Is Generally Good For Your Health

The Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (AFOEM) of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) has developed a position statement titled 'Realising the Health Benefits of Work'.

The position statement may be downloaded here: Realising the Health Benefits of Work (PDF | 589KB)

For our most recent developments with this position statement, refer to our Latest News section.

'Realising the Health Benefits of Work' is a position statement of the AFOEM, under the auspices of the RACP. The position statement has two underpinning principles which have a strong international evidence base:

  1. Work, in general, is good for healthand wellbeing; and
  2. Long term work absence, work disability and unemployment have, in general, a negative impact on healthand wellbeing.

Until now, these principles have largely been unrecognised. To realise the benefits will require a paradigm shift in thinking, and indeed in practice. This will be to the advantage of workers, their families and to the many stakeholders who have an interest in helping people stay in work or return to work. Ultimately this is to the benefit of society as a whole.

Realising the Health Benefits of Work - Professor Sir Mansel Aylward - Video Presentation

On Tuesday 18, May 2010, 'Realising the Health Benefits of Work', a position paper developed by the Australasian Faculty of Occupational & Environmental Medicine was officially launched in Sydney, Australia. Dr Robin Chase, President AFOEM, provides an introduction to Prof Sir Mansel Aylward in the opening of the attached presentation. Click on the link below to view the presentation.

Alternatively, the PowerPoint presentation can be viewed separately in the provided link below.

The Health Benefits of Work - Interview with Dr David Beaumont (Radio New Zealand - The Panel)

Dr David Beaumont (Member, AFOEM Policy & Advocacy) was interviewed on Radio New Zealand on Tuesday 1, June 2010 regarding AFOEM's policy launch of 'Realising the Health Benefits of Work'. Click on the link below to stream/download the interview (~10 minutes in length).

The Health Benefits of Work - Interview with Dr Mary Wyatt (2GB)

Dr Mary Wyatt (Chair, AFOEM Policy & Advocacy) was interviewed on 2GB on Monday 17, May 2010 regarding AFOEM's policy launch of 'Realising the Health Benefits of Work'. Click on the link below to stream/download the interview (~10 minutes in length).

Maximising the Health and Well-Being of the Working-Age Population - Professor Dame Carol Black

As part of the 2010 World Congress of Internal Medicine (WCIM), Professor Dame Carol Black gave the Faculty's Ferguson-Glass Oration. Titled 'Maximising the Health and Well-being of the Working-age Population', Professor Dame Carol Black addressed key issues on successfully returning people to work in the UK. The full powerpoint presentation and ... may be viewed on the links provided below.

Update From Dr David Beaumont - Realising The Health Benefits Of Work

Page Last Reviewed or Updated: Tuesday 17, August 2010