Why work is good for you

The guide explodes many myths about work and health. The key points of the guide are:

1. Work is generally good for physical and mental health, therapeutic and an important part of rehabilitation.
   
2. Long periods out of work are harmful for physical and mental health.
   
3. Two-thirds of sickness absence, long-term incapacity and ill-health retirement are due to mild/moderate ‘common health problems’. Much of this should be preventable.
   
4. Advice to stay off work is a major clinical intervention with potentially serious long-term consequnces.
   
5. Common health problems can often be accommodated at work, if necessary with appropriate adjustments and support.
   
6. Planning and supporting return to work are important parts of clinical management.

EEF continues to promote the view that work benefits employees and employers, and this is underpinned by the Managing Sickness Absence Guide.