Working Well

The physical environment in which we spend the majority of our time can have a significant effect on our health, wellbeing and work efficiency.

If we work in an environment that doesn't support us physically, it is possible to experience increased stress levels, ill health and symptoms such as fatigue, poor concentration and short-term memory, and even depression if the symptoms are severe or they go on for a long period of time.

Our workplace can be affected by such things as poor indoor air quality and pollution, inadequate lighting levels, poor ergonomics and irritating noise levels, all of which can create stress and affect health. 

Recent scientific research has shown that indoor air is on average 4 times more polluted than outdoor air, and that Australians may spend 90 percent or more of their time indoors.

To demonstrate the significance of this issue, the CSIRO estimates that the cost of poor internal air quality in Australia may be as high as $12 billion per year.

Given many of us spend a lot of time in our place of work it makes sense that creating a ‘well workplace' is in the best interests of all who work, whether you work from home, in a factory or an office block, or if you're an apprentice, a manager or a business owner.

‘Well Workplaces' has been designed to help improve understanding of how work environments may affect physical health and mental wellbeing; to identify what symptoms to look out for if you suspect your workplace is contributing to ill health; and to help employees and employers work together to create healthier work environments.

Reference

Statistics Care of Environment Australia