Topic description and stories

Getting ‘work’ right is good for people and the nation. It contributes to increasing productivity, better living standards and economic growth.

One day of paid work a week is all we need to get mental health benefits of employment

Latest research finds up to eight hours of paid work a week significantly boosts mental health and life satisfaction. However, researchers found little evidence that any more hours – including a full five-day week – provide further increases in wellbeing. 

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Coalbrookdale, Shropshire, by Philippe Jacques de Loutherbourg in 1801

A real piece of work

16 Jun 2015
In 2003, researchers embarked on a project to piece together a picture of changes in British working life over the course of 600 years. The emerging...
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