Individuals

It is not only employers and the health profession who can help. We all have a role to play.

How can you help?

• Think about the benefits of work on your health and the impact that remaining in or returning to work can have if you have a health problem.
• Recognise the links between staying in work and staying healthy – both are very achievable.

Remaining at work with a health problem

• Remember that taking a lot of time off is often bad for your health and staying at work is likely to speed your recovery.
• Speak to your doctor and seek their help to improve your health.
• But don’t just leave it to your doctor - take action to improve and look after your own health and wellbeing.
• Make the most of any health services provided by your employer.
• Speak to your employer about managing any work-related problems or changing your working patterns.

Returning to work after a period of ill-health

• Recognise that there are potentially serious and long-term consequences of staying off work.
• Think about the obstacles that are preventing you from getting back to work and how you might overcome them.
• Set realistic targets for yourself about your recovery and return to work.
• Gradually increase your activity levels.
• Speak to your employer about changing difficult work patterns or making workplace adaptations to help you return to work.

The benefits for individuals

• Being in work is good for our health.
• Being out of work is bad for physical and mental health.
• The longer we are out of work, the harder it is to get back.
• Returning to work improves health and can aid recovery from health problems.
• The health benefits of work strongly outweigh the health risks.