The importance of remaining at or returning to work

In general, having a job is better for the health of an individual than not having a job. Unemployment can have psychological and social consequences, as well as causing financial problems and stress.

Being out of work can have an impact on a person's physical and mental health, as well as affecting their family ^[1]. For instance it is known that unemployed people and their families suffer a higher rate of premature death, increased rates of depression and anxiety, higher rates of self-reported ill health, heart disease and risk factors for heart disease ^[2]. The financial stress of unemployment can result in marriage problems and emotional distress ^[3]. Research has also shown that children’s health and well being is affected by a parent’s long-term unemployment ^[3].

Social support and networks become decreasingly available as a consequence of unemployment. When social supports and networks are not available, and a person does not have support from their friends and/or family, their recovery may be delayed ^[4]. Lack of social support can also marginalise a person from society and impact on their emotional vulnerability ^[4].

When a worker is injured in the workplace, they may require time off work. This may have an impact on their physical and mental health further to that of the injury itself ^[4]. Thus, returning the worker to work becomes a valid goal of treatment.

The likelihood of an injured worker making a full recovery, both physically and emotionally, is improved the earlier that they are able to return to work in some capacity Research suggests that the sooner an injured worker can return to work in some capacity, the more likely they are to make a full recovery, both physically and emotionally ^[4-6]. Conversely, failing to return to work results in a higher risk of poor health, mental illness, depression and even death ^[2].

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