TW & your doctor

For most people, work is synonymous with paid employment. However, this is rather a narrow definition. In many ways, it is better to view work as having a meaningful occupation. This is more than just passing one’s days pottering about - not all occupations are necessarily meaningful. An occupation which is meaningful is one from which a person might expect to derive particular benefits, such as the experiences of satisfaction, achievement and success. However, while people might hope to derive such benefits from their work, these are by no means guaranteed. Many people work just to get paid.

Employment is an important goal for most people, not least those who are, or have been, ill. One reason for this is the need to earn enough to make ends meet, but there are numerous other reasons, some of which are outlined in the next section. A good illustration of the fact that work offers benefits other than pay is the advice that lottery winners are commonly given: not to give up work.

Work includes studying, and contributing to specific activities as a volunteer. The growing trend, in the United Kingdom and in other countries, to involve patients directly in developing and evaluating health services, and in training health care professionals, is another example of work.

Professionals and lay people alike have long understood the benefits of work to the individual.

Having a meaningful occupation (whether paid or not) adds structure to a person’s daily life. The work which a person chooses to do often contributes to the way that person sees him or herself - it can add meaning and purpose to life. The person might expect to experience satisfaction from work.

Although work can be solitary, most people work with other people and this gives the opportunity to achieve tasks together, and also to socialise. Even if one works alone, the work which one does might be valued by others and this can contribute to one’s self-esteem and satisfaction.

Any type of meaningful occupation is capable, at least in theory, of giving these benefits. Paid employment, in addition, of course gives financial benefits and sometimes additional material benefits.

Therapeutic Work & your doctor continued...


		Therapeutic Work & your doctor What is work? For most people, work is synonymous with paid employment. However, this is rather a narrow definition. In many ways, it is better to view work as having a meaningful occupation. This is more than just passing one’s days pottering about - not all occupations are necessarily meaningful. An occupation which is meaningful is one from which a person might expect to derive particular benefits, such as the experiences of satisfaction, achievement and success. However, while people might hope to derive such benefits from their work, these are by no means guaranteed. Many people work just to get paid. Employment is an important goal for most people, not least those who are, or have been, ill. One reason for this is the need to earn enough to make ends meet, but there are numerous other reasons, some of which are outlined in the next section. A good illustration of the fact that work offers benefits other than pay is the advice that lottery winners are commonly given: not to give up work. Work includes studying, and contributing to specific activities as a volunteer. The growing trend, in the United Kingdom and in other countries, to involve patients directly in developing and evaluating health services, and in training health care professionals, is another example of work. Benefits of work Professionals and lay people alike have long understood the benefits of work to the individual. Having a meaningful occupation (whether paid or not) adds structure to a person’s daily life. The work which a person chooses to do often contributes to the way that person sees him or herself - it can add meaning and purpose to life. The person might expect to experience satisfaction from work. Although work can be solitary, most people work with other people and this gives the opportunity to achieve tasks together, and also to socialise. Even if one works alone, the work which one does might be valued by others and this can contribute to one’s self-esteem and satisfaction. Any type of meaningful occupation is capable, at least in theory, of giving these benefits. Paid employment, in addition, of course gives financial benefits and sometimes additional material benefits. Therapeutic Work & your doctor continued...


6th August 2004