How meaningful employment can support better health

We are exploring the potential role that work can play in slowing people’s progression from one long-term condition to many.

The relationship between employment and health is well established. We know that having a low or no income can contribute to poor health outcomes. But, work also meets psychosocial needs in societies where employment is the norm and central to social roles and status.

Yet, we know less about what interventions work. That’s why we commissioned research into existing interventions which we could learn from.

The national picture of work and health conditions

The relationship between work and health is gaining increasing visibility and emphasis nationwide. In 2017, the government published its Work, health and disability green paper. It pledged to halve the employment gap for people with disabilities and long-term conditions. Around 15 million people in England currently have a long-term condition. But, only 8% of employers reported that they had recruited a person with a disability or long-term condition in the previous year. 

As life expectancy increases (with the retirement age set to rise to 68 by 2037), the workforce is ageing along with society. Long-term conditions are understood to not only affect older people. In Lambeth and Southwark, around a third of people with multiple long-term conditions are diagnosed under the age of 65.

It means employees will increasingly be dealing with health issues while at work. Employers, too, will need to respond to these changes and adapt to support their workforce. For example, by providing support to manage conditions and investing in preventative measures.

What we’ve learned about work and health

We sought to understand how work-related activities can boost confidence and motivation. And, how they can support people to increase their resilience and ability to manage their conditions.

Rocket Science, our research partner, helped us to review over 100 interventions. Our aim was to understand how purposeful activities can support people health conditions. Also, how these activities might delay their progression to many.

We found that improving self-management can be a ‘gateway outcome’. It can build people’s confidence and motivation. Both can help those to manage their conditions better but also move closer to the labour market.