The connection between work environment and health is largely based on the type of workplace that one is in. In a negative hostile work environment, stress levels can be very high, which can have negative health impacts such as an increase in blood pressure, or an increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease, among others. In a positive work environment, however, the connection between work environment and health can go the other way; when people spend their days feeling happy and appreciated, they tend to be healthier overall.
Of course, these connections between work environment and health are not set in stone. Everyone deals with stress in different ways, and some people have more effective methods than others. It has been proven, however, that persistent stress can have extremely detrimental effects on health, even leading to higher incidences of cancer. Stress in the work environment can come in many forms; people who do not get along well with their coworkers or boss, employees who feel that they are given too much work and not enough time to do it, or people who feel that their efforts at work are never appreciated are just a few of the more common work stressors.
Of course, physical work environment can have a negative impact on health as well, in a way that is completely unrelated to stress. An unsafe working environment where a high potential for injury exists is one example, or a job that requires frequent handling of dangerous chemicals could certainly cause a negative correlation between work environment and health. On a more basic level, some people find that the recirculated air in an office building can cause them to develop allergies or frequent nose and throat irritation.
The connection between work environment and health does not necessarily need to be a negative one. Employers can take steps to ensure that their employees are working safely and are wearing protective gear or taking measures in order to prevent injury or illness. Surveying employees regularly can be a way to gauge work satisfaction; employees are more likely to be honest in an anonymous survey. In addition, workplaces that take steps to make the work environment a positive one are often very beneficial to their employees' health; these steps can be as simple as recognizing employees for a job well done, or holding team building events like potluck lunches or celebrations for employee birthdays.
