Benefits of working

Work is good for most people, most of the time. A 2006 report (Is work good for your health and well-being?) commissioned by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) found that employed people are generally healthier and happier than people who aren’t employed.

As well as improving your income, employment can boost your confidence and self-esteem. This applies to adults of all ages, including people with health conditions and disabled people. Our health and well-being affect the people around us, so work can benefit our families and communities as well.

Unemployment

Occasionally people with arthritis may not be able to work for a while, or at all. Research suggests that it is important to work if you can, perhaps by working part-time or gradually returning to work.

People who are long-term unemployed or who have never worked are between two to three times more likely to have poor health than those in work. The longer someone is out of work because of ill health, the lower their chance of getting back into work. However, there is a lot of support available to help you find and stay in work – and more legal protection than ever before. Health Work Wellbeing is a Government initiative that brings together individuals, employers and health professionals to help more people stay in employment.

Work and arthritis

Work can be challenging when you have arthritis, but many people find that being employed makes them feel better. With the right support arthritis can usually be managed at work – there is plenty of help available if you want to start or stay in work.

An Arthritis Care survey in 2005 found that people with osteoarthritis in employment experienced pain less frequently than those out of work. Other studies suggest that work is therapeutic for people with conditions such as arthritis, helping them to better manage their symptoms. Keeping active through work can also improve your mobility, independence and quality of life.

If you have arthritis, it is important to talk to your doctor about work. Good information will help you to decide what kind of employment is best for you. You may need to consider your working hours and where you work. You may also need to arrange for special adjustments to help you work safely and comfortably.