8.4.1: Employment
Although we will discuss how work environments influence health more broadly in another chapter, it’s important to note that employment status has a significant effect on economic stability. Both unemployment and under-employment impact a person’s ability to pay their bills and their sense of security in meeting their basic needs. Underemployment includes intermittent unemployment, poverty wages, or being unable to find a job that matches or appropriately compensates the person’s education level and skill set. Part-time employment can also fall into this category, as many workers who would like to work full-time must take several part-time jobs instead. And, do these jobs pay a “living” wage - that is, can someone work the equivalent of full-time, or 40 hours per week, and afford rent and food based on their area’s typical prices? If not, a person may have to work overtime, juggle multiple jobs, live with several family members or roommates, and/or accept substandard living conditions (see Housing Instability and Quality below). Many low-wage jobs are also high-stress, which has an impact on mental health and a correlation with substance abuse ( Employment - Healthy People 2030 , n.d.).