Fairness at work can play pivotal role in employees' health

A new study has found the perceptions of fairness changes can alter the health of employees at work places. For instance, those who experienced more fairness on average over the period reported better health.

University of East Anglia researchers have investigated whether perceptions of what they call 'procedural justice' such as the processes in place to decide on rewards, pay, promotion and assignments are related to employees' health.

They found that when perceptions of fairness changed, the self-rated health of employees also changed.

The study showed fairness at work is a crucial aspect of the psychosocial work environment and that changes towards greater fairness can improve the employees' health.

It was also found that changes in employees' health are related to changes in fairness perceptions, indicating the health status of employees may also affect how employees feel treated at work.

Lead researcher Dr. Eib said the study provides a thorough examination of how fairness at the workplace and health of employees is related over time.

"People who feel fairly treated are not only more likely to be motivated at work and go the extra mile for their organisation, but they are also more likely to be healthy, have an active lifestyle and feel positive," he added.

The study is published in the journal of Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health.