‘Future of work commission’ needed to ensure work supports wellbeing

The Scottish and UK governments should establish a ‘future of work commission’ to ensure that working practices support wellbeing as we emerge from the pandemic, a charity has said.

The Mental Health Foundation in Scotland said that a commission comprising public and private sector employers, employees, government representatives and mental health groups should be formed to explore the benefits of shorter working hours among other measures the foundation believes could boost employees’ wellbeing.

Senior policy manager Toni Giugliano told the BBC: “Poverty, job insecurity and under-employment are among the root causes of poor mental health. We need to do all we can to ensure that no person in Scotland finds themselves at further risk due to the pandemic.

“Establishing a more visible and vocal Commission for the Future of Work will confirm the Scottish government’s commitment to safeguarding the wellbeing of workers across Scotland in the post-pandemic years and beyond.

“It will enable us to bring more representatives and organisations from across public and private sectors, including workers, together to inform and drive the policy decisions that will reset our working lives in a positive way that supports both good mental health and economic productivity.”

The pandemic has fuelled mental health worries. During the first lockdown many workers experienced insomnia, anxiety and depression, while a Cigna Europe survey found 12% had experienced “unmanageable” stress.

Giugliano added that the Scottish government had already taken some positive steps to improve employees’ wellbeing with the creation of the Mental Health and Employment working groups. The country also has a devolved employment support service, Fair Start Scotland.

The Scottish government has a £120m Mental Health Recovery and Renewal Fund, which it claims is its single largest investment in mental health in the history of devolution.

Melanie Simms, professor of work and employment at the University of Glasgow, said a commission was “a very interesting proposal”.

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“It’s undoubtedly the case that many people have experienced challenges to their mental health during the pandemic and associated restrictions,” she said.

“Issues including job insecurity, health and safety, furlough and similar have all taken their toll on many people’s mental health.”