TUC cautions against compulsion in health initiatives

News | HSP
04.09.2008

The TUC has published new guidance for safety reps on working with employers to promote good health in the workplace.

Promoting Health at Work notes that where health policies are introduced with union support, they are often both successful and popular.

The guidance outlines a variety of options for employers, including lunchtime exercise classes, discounted gym membership, providing showers so staff can cycle or run to work, and health screening.

But it cautions against compulsion, arguing that there should always be an element of choice, and that safety reps should resist any attempts to introduce moral elements into lifestyle issues.

"The workplace can, like any other environment, be a useful place to encourage people to make healthy choices," says the guide, "but it must be done in a non-judgemental way that creates the opportunities for people to make healthier choices should they so chose, rather than forcing them to adopt a particular lifestyle that has no bearing on their employment."

Research carried out by YouGov on behalf of the TUC in July and August this year, entitled What Do Workers Want?, reveals that heavier workloads and stress are among employees' most common employment complaints. Of the 2857 people polled, 46% had personally experienced a heavier workload, while 39% reported increased stress levels and 23% were working longer hours.

The TUC briefing document on workplace health initiatives is available here. The research What Do Workers Want? can be downloaded here.