Work is Healthy

Work is healthy. That can be a controversial statement in a room of health care professionals who often believe that we (Case Management people) force their patients back to work too soon.  However…. I still believe that work is healthy.  My personal definition of work is “purposeful structured tasks completed in a timely manner to complete or accomplish a goal”.

Thus saying, we are healthier physically, emotionally and mentally when we are working.

I note that retired persons are healthier when they have structured lives and tasks that are designed to accomplish something.  We have all talked about what we intend to do or accomplish when we retire or no longer have to “work” and usually it involves learning something or participating in a group or hobby that we don’t have time for at present. Regardless .. it meets my definition of “work”.  I added this paragraph in to reinforce that “work is healthy”.  (the picture above is my father-in-law’s retirement focus  – his greenhouse)

When I am assisting injured or ill employees who cannot “be” at work I use my definition of work in their rehabilitation planning.  Even when they are not yet ready to ‘return to work’ I urge them to try and keep their days structured, create small goals or “to dos” and to make note of their accomplishments.  These small daily markers demonstrate progress and provide a sense of positivity in what could be an otherwise negative situation.

When employees/claimants are approaching return to work readiness it is then easier to put together a collaborative plan for a gradual return to work as they know and inherently understand that small progressive steps can lead to success.  It is also easier to demonstrate return to work readiness and safe and effective gradual return to work planning to the involved health care practitioners when the employee/claimant feels confident in the plan.

Work can be what defines us or it can be our legacy.  It can cause pride or stress.  However if it is safe, effective and balanced it can enhance physical, emotional and mental wellness.

Written by Tracy Aiello, Registered Nurse, University of Calgary, AB, OHS Case Management Consulting Service