The Science of Occupational Health is an evidence-based resource for all members of the health care team working with those affected by work-based stress. The authors offer a unique psychobiological perspective, discussing the modern workplace as a cause of stimulation and well-being, as well as of distress and illness.

Preface Foreword Sir Michael Marmot, UCL Acknowledgements 1 Introduction: History of Work and Health General background and aim Work and health from an evolutionary perspective About this book 2 The New Workplace in a Rapidly Changing World Global economy and global competition Flexible organisations – flexible workers Health consequences of ‘sickness presenteeism’ Rationalisation Sources of stress at work 3 The New World of Work Lean manufacturing and just-in-time production Frequent restructuring Lifelong learning, work and family-life balance Long working hours and overtime The role of modern communication technology and telecommuting: work without boundaries, or endless work Diffuse distinction between work and other parts of life The challenge for health and well-being in organisations in the future A flexible workforce 4 Work as a Source of Stimulation and Health or a Cause of Distress and Illness Work-related stress models Justice Positive and negative work Job satisfaction Workaholism Type A behaviour Job strain and heart disorder Conclusion 5 Responses to Stress Mind–body interaction The neuroendocrine stress systems The cardiovascular system Coping with stress Acute stress Chronic stress Short-term versus long-term stress Importance of sleep Allostatic load Catabolic and anabolic processes 6 Stress-related Health Problems Chronic fatigue, depression, burnout Cardiovascular disorders Immune function Cognitive function Obesity, diabetes – the metabolic syndrome Musculoskeletal disorders Ulcers HIV, AIDS and cancer When should I be worried? How can any treatment be efficient? 7 Stress Hormones at Work 8 Socioeconomic Status and Health 9 Health Promotion Health intervention, stress reduction Managing stress in a changing workforce Individual interventions Healthy work Mental capital and well-being Interventions and policies Physically risky jobs Positive psychology Restorative environments and recreation Sleep Physical activity 10 Gender Differences Symptoms, health and life expectancy Work tasks Unpaid work and total workload Children, women and stress 11 Preventive Strategies Occupational hazards Health promotion Occupational conditions in Europe Healthy work SES and health Work–life balance What can we do to reduce stress? Comments on preventive strategies 12 The Future Workplace from a Stress–Health Perspective A changing world Work and health Stress, well-being and productivity Demographic changes in Europe and Japan Global issues References Index