Work is good for mental health and chats at water coolers can boost wellbeing, says UK official

Return to the belief that "work is good for you"

Work is beneficial for mental health, according to the UK's Work and Pensions Secretary, Mel Stride. He emphasized the importance of returning to the traditional notion that work is positive for individuals. Stride expressed concerns that the culture around mental health may have gone too far, leading to individuals being signed off work and reliant on benefits, which he believes is not the right approach.

Concerns about medicalizing normal life experiences

Mel Stride highlighted the risk of normal life challenges being medicalized and preventing individuals from engaging in the workforce. He suggested that the current openness around discussing mental health is positive, but there is a need to differentiate between medical conditions and the regular ups and downs of life. Stride encouraged a more balanced conversation on mental health.

Work and mental health connection

Stride emphasized the benefits of work on mental health, stating that having a sense of purpose, interacting with colleagues, and engaging in casual conversations at the workplace can have a positive impact. He underscored the importance of breaking the cycle of individuals being placed on benefits without exploring other options, advocating for a more proactive approach.