When Annika Härenstam, professor emeritus of occupational science at the University of Gothenburg, embarked on her exploration of the healthiest jobs in the early 1990s, she uncovered a surprising trend: the professions predominantly occupied by women, particularly in education and healthcare, topped the list.
Roles such as teaching and nursing were celebrated for their stimulating environments, flexibility, and the strong relationships fostered among staff members.
From Healthy to High-Risk Occupations
Fast forward three decades, and the landscape has shifted dramatically. A recent report from the Social Insurance Agency spotlights a troubling reality: professions within welfare services, particularly in care and education, now report alarmingly high rates of sickness absence. In fact, settings like preschools and roles among primary school support staff have also seen significant increases in absenteeism.
While physical ailments still dominate the shorter instances of sick leave across all professions, the narrative has shifted for long-term illnesses. Today, mental health issues—primarily those related to stress—account for over half of these cases.
The Weight of Inadequacy
Cathia Boquist’s journey in healthcare began in 1992 as an assistant nurse in elderly care. Now a nurse at the kidney clinic at Norrland University Hospital in Umeå and an elected representative to the Swedish Health Confederation, she has witnessed the toll of stress firsthand. Despite the challenges, her passion for her profession remains unwavering.
“I love working in healthcare,” Cathia states emphatically. “If I had to choose again, I wouldn’t pick anything else.”
Two Key Explanations
Dr. Härenstam offers insight into the factors contributing to the decline of working conditions in welfare professions. She identifies two primary culprits: the introduction of corporate management practices and the economic crisis of the 1990s, which led to widespread cutbacks.
In the video below, delve deeper as Annika Härenstam discusses the dramatic transformation of these professions from the healthiest to the most precarious.
Welfare professions do not inherently have to be fraught with risk for sick leave, asserts Härenstam. However, she emphasizes that comprehensive changes are necessary across municipalities and regions throughout the country to systematically enhance the working environment.
In the accompanying video, Härenstam outlines three essential changes needed to bolster workplace conditions and alleviate stress.
