Policy Overview

In recent years Scotland has produced a number of strategies which relate to work, health and well-being, the key documents are outlined below:

• In 2003 the Scottish Executive launched Improving Health in Scotland: the Challenge which identified the workplace as an area for focused action to promote public health, improve health and tackle inequalities. A year later they launched the plan Healthy Working Lives which detailed how the executive planned to put the workplace strand of their health improvement agenda into action. The Centre for Healthy Working Lives was established in 2005 to act as the catalyst and facilitator for the delivery of Healthy Working Lives. A review of Healthy Working Lives has resulted in the development of the Health Works strategy.
• The Scottish Government launched its Equally Well strategy in 2008, which aims to tackle health inequalities in Scotland. One of the recommendations of Equally Well was to establish test sites where new ways of working could be piloted around specific themes.
• The Scottish Government’s response to Dame Carol’s Working for a Healthier Tomorrow Report, addresses the key issues for Scotland that arise from the Report.
• Scotland’s mental health improvement action plan 'Towards a Mentally Flourishing Scotland' was launched in May 2009. One of its six strategic priorities is to focus on mentally healthy employment and working life.

Most recently The Scottish Governments Healthy Working Lives review, Health Works (December 2009), identifies the need for effective linkages between health and employability services locally to help support people with health barriers to remain in or return to work. 

In addressing some of the causes and effects of ill-health in the working-age population of Scotland the Health Works strategy can make a significant contribution to delivering the Scottish Government’s purpose targets and to economic recovery. Therefore, the strategy is consistent with, and is indeed a key element of, the achievement of the central Purpose of higher and sustainable economic growth.

Health Works recognises that with approximately 2.5 million people in Scotland in some form of employment, the workplace can play a significant role in the health and wellbeing of a large proportion of Scotland’s population. It is not just the physical work environment that affects the health and wellbeing of workers. A ‘good’ job also comprises ‘softer’ issues such as strong workplace relationships, meaningful work, fair procedures, job security, flexibility about how work is done and achieving a balance between effort and reward.

As well as workplace policies that promote health and wellbeing, it is also recognised that employers can be more proactive in supporting employees returning to work following sickness absence as part of a programme of rehabilitation. Waddell, Burton and Kendall noted that vocational rehabilitation cannot be delivered by health services alone and employers have a key role to play in supporting return to work.

The Health Works strategy details a number of key actions to be taken forward by the Scottish Governments Centre for Healthy Working Lives. Click here for a copy of the action plan.