One in ten Australian workers believe their job makes them ill

Employers urged to do more to improve workplace health issues

4 December 2008

One in ten Australian workers believe that their work has a negative impact on their health while more than half say their employer should be responsible for ensuring health and fitness in the workplace.

The survey, by global recruitment firm Kelly Services, identified issues such as excessive work hours and lack of recognition as causes of health problems, stress and sleeplessness.

The global survey sought the views of 115,000 people in 33 countries including almost 19,000 in Australia.

Kelly Services Managing Director, James Bowmer said the survey shows that the workplace has a key influence on the way that people view their health and wellbeing.

“For many employees, their work has a significant impact on their health, and with people spending a great deal of their time at work, it’s worth looking at ways to better integrate work and health.

Amongst the key findings of the survey:

• 10% of respondents say their work makes them ill or unhealthy
• 13% say the stress of their job makes it hard to sleep at night
• 20% admit they have taken sick leave when they were not genuinely sick
• 39% are made to feel guilty about taking time off when they are sick
• 56% of Australian participants say bosses should be responsible for contributing to employee health and fitness

The study highlights the worldwide link between work and personal health. Almost 20% of respondents globally, believe their work makes them ill or unhealthy.

Japan fared the worst internationally with the highest rate of work-related health problems. It was followed by Canada, Ukraine, Finland and Hong Kong, with Australia ranking fourth lowest of the 33 countries.

When asked which workplace conditions impacted on their health, Australians cited excessive work hours, a lack of recognition, poor morale and excessive expectations.

Almost two thirds of Australians have taken sick leave in the past year. Females (71%) were more inclined to take sick days compared with males (60%). Only 49% of Australian respondents said they are paid sick leave.

Not all workers are entirely honest in the way they approach sick leave. Some 20% admit they have taken sick leave without being genuinely sick. Also, more than a third of respondents (39%) said that when they are sick, they are made to feel guilty about taking time off.

There is a strong view that employers should be responsible for contributing to employee health and fitness. More than half (56%) of Australian respondents feel employers should fill this role.

The key things employees say would improve their health and fitness at work include access to a gym, flexible hours and less workplace stress. Not all improvements would involve a cost to the employer. Employees say ‘better communication with staff’ would also contribute to better health.

“There is no question that employers can play a significant role in improving health in many workplaces,” James Bowmer said.

“Organisations that offer health and fitness benefits for staff help to generate a more productive and motivated workforce.

“It’s in the best interests of an organisation to make the health and wellbeing of their employees a priority because a healthy workforce translates into increased productivity, lower absenteeism and improved morale”.