The social welfare and health care sector must invest in recovery and the promotion of work ability

Finnish Institute of Occupational Health media release 9 January 2025

The annual overview of well-being at work in the social welfare and health care sector by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health focuses on the wellbeing services counties’ second year of operation and the retention force of the sector amidst continued turmoil and change. The overview is based on the `Mitä kuuluu?´ (How are we?) well-being at work surveys conducted in five wellbeing services counties and the Kunta10 study by the City of Helsinki. More than 39,000 employees in the social welfare and health care sector responded to the surveys, with a response rate of 57 per cent.

Reduced work ability is a risk of incapacity for work

There was a slight improvement in well-being at work in the wellbeing services counties during their second year of operation in 2024, compared to 2023.  For example, recovery from work has improved slightly: 39 per cent (35 per cent in 2023) recovered well. 
More than one in three (35 per cent) feel that their work ability is reduced, and the situation is the same in all age groups. The figure has decreased slightly from 2023 (38 per cent), but is still high.
 
"Reduced work ability has a multifaceted impact on the sector. It leads to sickness absences or even incapacity for work, which increases the number of tasks and workload for others and, in the big picture, also undermines the adequacy of the workforce," says Research Professor Jaana Laitinen from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.

"In the survey, feedback regarding supervisors’ actions was widely positive. However, their job description should more clearly include both the promotion of work ability and the management of recovery, as maintaining work ability requires support measures for both the individual and the entire work community," Laitinen continues. 

In addition, it is necessary to invest in change management in a way that involves employees in planning changes that concern their own work. Increasing opportunities for influence improves well-being at work.

Mental health disorders pose problems

Mental health disorders are the main group of illnesses that cause incapacity for work. The prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms among young social welfare and health care workers is a particular cause for concern. Of employees under the age of 30, 43 per cent experienced at least mild psychological stress.

"People struggling with mental health disorders need support from supervisors, experienced colleagues and the work community. Although coaching leadership does provide support for young people’s work ability, it alone is not enough. Better workload management is key. Good social capital in the work community can also lessen the harmful impact of high workload," says Risto Nikunlaakso, Senior Specialist at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.

Violent situations require occupational safety and health measures

Nearly half (47 per cent) of social welfare and health care professionals have experienced violent situations or threats by a client. A total of 42 per cent of the respondents have experienced psychological violence from clients and 21 per cent have experienced physical violence.

"All of these percentages are too high and require occupational safety and health measures. It is important for social welfare and health care workplaces to review risk situations related to work and the work environment, as well as instructions regarding safe working practices and for dealing with violent situations," says Risto Nikunlaakso.

Appreciation is an easy way to increase the attractiveness and retention of the industry

Only one in five social welfare and health care professionals feel recognised and appreciated for their work. However, there are major differences between occupational groups: the figure is over 30 per cent for doctors, dentists, management and senior specialists, while for nurses, paramedics, midwives and dental hygienists it is only 14 per cent.

“One easy way to increase the attraction and retention of the social welfare and health care sector is to show appreciation and recognition to the professionals in the sector,” says Jaana Laitinen.

Learn more about the overview

• Mitä kuuluu sosiaali- ja terveydenhuollon työhyvinvoinnille 2024 (in Finnish)(Julkari.fi)

Further information 

• Jaana Laitinen, Research Professor, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, jaana.laitinen@ttl.fi, tel. +358 46 851 4426
• Risto Nikunlaakso, Senior Specialist, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, risto.nikunlaakso@ttl.fi, tel. +358 40 742 7944