Focus on health
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There are no shortcuts to the perfect workplace, but now researchers have identified thirteen factors that help us in the right direction.
As the average age of Sweden's population is increasing, the dependency ratio increases for those with jobs. A decision to raise the age of retirement has already been spotted on the political horizon, but is it really feasible for all professions?
Over the past year, 870,000 Swedes reported that they have had health problems as a result of their work. Many of these have professions that are linked with early withdrawal from the labour market.
In the report Den goda arbetsmiljön och dess indikatorer [Good work environments and their indicators], Eva Vingård, professor of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, recommends a completely new approach to creating healthier workplaces.
“Studies reveal that it is no longer enough to eliminate risks. We know that both the organisation and its employees feel and perform better in an environment that promotes good health. In the USA, positive organisational psychology is an established term. In Sweden, the area is advancing and many business owners want to know more about how they can better promote good health and not simply prevent ill health,” Eva Vingård explains.
The report gathers 13 factors which according to the science have a positive impact on wellbeing and efficiency. Examples include available managers, participation and acknowledgement.
“It's nothing out of the ordinary really. It's a matter of clarity and transparency, but above all of trust, and being seen and respected as an employee”, Eva Vingård remarked in Svenska Dagbladet at the time the report was published.
“Our workplaces always have room for improvement. Constantly working with and allowing these thirteen factors to characterise operations is a large and important step. At the same time, the report must not be mistaken for an answer; this is an overview of knowledge in the field which is primarily intended to provide direction.
FACTS
Good work environments and their indicators
• The report has been compiled by Eva Vingård, Uppsala University, and Per Lindberg, University of Gävle.
• You can download the report in its entirety from the Swedish Work Environment Authority's website: www.av.se
Magnus Alsne