Work capacity is about balance – here’s how to maintain it

Topics

• Job seeking
• Member benefit
• Unemployment

Work capacity is a balance between your own resources and, in particular, the demands of your job or job search. How can you take care of your work capacity through your own choices? Where can you get help if your work capacity declines?

For this article, we interviewed Terveystalo’s leading work capacity coach, Riia Astola-Pöllänen, and senior work capacity coach, Raija-Liisa Kokko.

What does work capacity mean?

Work capacity consists of health, skills, motivation, and working conditions, and above all, how these factors support coping and performance in everyday life. Your own attitude also matters: the meaningfulness of work or job hunting has a significant impact on work capacity. In addition, factors such as the quality of leadership and the atmosphere in the workplace also have an impact.

Work capacity is not a permanent state, but changes in everyday life and life situations. That is why taking care of your well-being and skills and maintaining a balance in everyday life are important throughout your life.

What weakens work capacity?

Work capacity can be undermined by many factors, both related to work or job hunting and other aspects of life. Non-ergonomic work equipment, unsafe conditions, and a stressful environment can cause physical ailments and fatigue. On the other hand, unclear management, poor communication, and weak support in the work community increase mental strain.

Health problems, insufficient skills, or constant stress can also wear down your ability to cope. When work or job hunting loses its meaning and motivation declines, it is difficult to find the strength to continue.

It is important to realize that work capacity often declines not because of a single reason, but because of the combined effect of many factors.

How does unemployment affect work capacity?

Prolonged unemployment in particular can affect both mental and physical health. Financial worries and uncertainty can increase stress and sap energy.

The lack of a work community and daily routines can narrow your social network and weaken your sense of your own ability to function. Returning to work can be difficult if you have gaps in your skills or, for example, your self-esteem has taken a big hit.

How can you take care of your own work capacity?

Since work capacity is the sum of many factors, it can also be strengthened in many ways. The foundation is your own well-being: sufficient sleep, healthy nutrition, exercise, and social relationships support your ability to cope. A balance between work or job hunting and leisure time, recovery, and stress management are also essential.

Developing your skills and professional curiosity often keeps your mind alert and increases your sense of control. They also often open up new opportunities in working life.

What concrete actions can you take to maintain and strengthen your work capacity as an employee?

As an employee, you can maintain and strengthen your work capacity by taking care of your health. Eat healthily, exercise, and get enough rest. Take breaks during the workday and try to manage your stress.

Working life is changing, which is why it is also important to develop your skills and professional expertise.

Open communication in the workplace helps to resolve challenges in a timely manner. A positive attitude is also very important.

What if you are unemployed? How can you maintain and strengthen your work capacity?

If your employment relationship has ended, it is even more important to focus on your own well-being. A healthy lifestyle, sufficient rest, and maintaining a daily routine will help you maintain your functional capacity. Cultivating social relationships also supports mental well-being.

It is good to stay active when you are unemployed. For example, you can participate in courses or training that maintain your skills and bring rhythm to your daily life.

Volunteering is an excellent way to develop skills, expand your network, and gain meaningful experiences.

If necessary, you can take advantage of health checkups for the unemployed.

Where can you get help or support if your work capacity declines?

If you are employed, you can get support from occupational health care. Various occupational health care professionals, such as occupational health doctors, nurses, and work capacity coaches, can help you identify the causes of the situation and find solutions. You can also discuss your workload and possible changes with your supervisor.

If you are unemployed, you can get help from employment services, health care, Kela, and rehabilitation services. In addition, various organizations and associations offer peer support and discussion help.

How can you keep up with work even when your strength or health is sometimes tested?

If your well-being or health is faltering, it’s important to stop and figure out why. Is it due to the nature of your work, your workload, your life situation, or health reasons? Once the underlying factors are clear, help can be targeted appropriately and your work capacity strengthened.

Work capacity is not a permanent characteristic, but something that can and should be strengthened throughout your career.