Workplace Health Current Issues and Research Paper

The idea that work is not to be supposed to enjoy has unfortunately become engrained in American society and in the cultures of many organizations and this has contributed directly to the rise of stress related illnesses and disorders (Gardiner 2010). Stress has a direct negative impact on health, leading to higher blood pressure, potential heart problems, increased headaches and other minor aches and pains, and a variety of other physical symptoms (Gardiner 2010). In addition, stress reduces the ability to focus, which has a negative impact on productivity and also increases the likelihood of mistakes that can lead to other injuries or safety issues. This new area of workplace health and safety concerns luckily has been studied enough that several direct and indirect methods for reducing workplace stress and its effects have been developed; solutions as simple as increasing laughing and developing an organizational culture of increased jocularity can go a long way towards reducing stress and improved productivity, and can also increase worker satisfaction and contentment, leading to advantages in addition to those in the area of health and safety (Gardiner 2010).

As workplace health and safety issues become better understood, more recommendations will undoubtedly be made. Including employees in safety plans as they develop and remebering to laugh, however, will remain two simple and effective ways to maintain and increase worker health.

References

Gardiner, D. (2010). "Laughing your way to organizational success." Accessed 6 August 2010. http://humanresources.about.com/od/stressandtimemanagement/a/laughter.htm

MDL. (2010). "Managing safety and health." Maine Department of Labor. Accessed 6 August 2010. http://www.safetyworksmaine.com/safe_workplace/safety_management/index.html