Well-being at work refers to matters – both physical and mental – that support coping at work. One of the definitions of well-being at work is that your work is meaningful and effortless and takes place in a safe, health-promoting and career-supporting working environment and work community. Well-being at work is a common objective for all parties at the workplace.

Seafarers’ well-being at work

The basis for a seafarer’s work and well-being at work is seaworthiness, which is evaluated at intervals of two years in the seaman’s medical examination.

A ship is a demanding working environment and work on board is often carried out in difficult conditions.
Work is done on different levels, and there are plenty of corridors and stairs. The noise level is high, especially in engine rooms. Work assignments need to be completed regardless of the weather. In northern sea areas, the weather in the winter is cold and windy, whereas the temperature in tropical sea areas can be very high.

The advancement of technical solutions and automation has reduced heavy physical work, but seafarers need to cope also in exceptional situations.

While on board, you work and spend your free time in the same premises. Long absences from family, relatives and friends are also a stress factor. The importance of the workplace atmosphere on mental health is significant. Satisfaction with life and work, in other words feeling generally well, is an indication of mental well-being.

Mutual interest

Successful promotion of well-being at work requires seamless co-operation between the shipping company, seafarers, occupational safety and health representatives as well as occupational health service, and each of these parties have their own responsibilities and roles. Targets must be agreed upon together in order to be achieved.

Healthy employees enjoy their work and this, consequently, brings success and good results to their employer. At the same time, it also means less absences due to illness and less pressure to retire prematurely.