Work, stress and health behaviors

The chapter reviews the published scientific evidence that work, in particular work stress and the worksite environment, has an impact on health behaviours, specifically alcohol consumption, exercise and healthy eating. The chapter also describes some of the key theoretical approaches that have underpinned research in this area, such as the job strain model, role conflict theory and coping theory. The implications of research findings for developing workplace health-promotion interventions to support healthy behaviour are considered. In particular, worksite environmental interventions are discussed and some of the constraints to implementing interventions are debated. Finally, some avenues for further research are suggested. It is concluded that it is in the interests of both employers and employees to ensure that the design of work, the work environment and the workplace culture facilitate healthy behaviours.