Gender, work and health
Gender and sex play an important role in determining work experiences, as well as health experiences in the wake of a work-related injury or disease. (“Gender” typically refers to socially constructed roles, relationships, behaviours, relative power and other traits that societies ascribe to women, men and people of diverse gender identities. “Sex” is typically understood to refer to the biological and physiological characteristics that distinguish females from males.) IWH research seeks to understand these experiences—in particular the effects and outcomes of occupational exposures related to these experiences—in order to develop gender- and sex-sensitive policies and practices to improve the health of all working Canadians.
Featured
Research Highlights
Which workers use active forms of transportation in their commutes?
Walking, biking, or taking public transportation to work is one way workers can increase their physical activity. But does the choice to use active transportation differ for workers in different jobs, or between men and women? This study aimed to find out.
Published: October 24, 2024
IWH Speaker Series
IWH Speaker Series
Examining gender/sex differences in work injury risk, consequences of work injury and the relationship between work stress and chronic disease
Institute Scientist Dr. Smith shares details about his new five-year research program into how sex and gender shape risk of work injury, time off work after a work injury, and the relationship between the work environment and chronic illnesses.
Published: October 2014
Video
Video
Exploring the role of gender in work-related injury, chronic illness and recovery
Institute Scientist Dr. Peter Smith talks about his five-year research program into how sex and gender shape risk of work injury, time off work after a work injury, and the relationship between the work environment and chronic illnesses.
Published: September 2014
At Work article
At Work article
Risk of repetitive strain injury different across gender in some fields: study
Stark differences in RSI risk for men and women in sectors including construction, agriculture
Published: July 2013
At Work article
At Work article
Work environment may up risk of hypertension in men
Low job control is associated with an increased risk of hypertension among men, says a study from the Institute for Work & Health and Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences.
Published: April 2013
At Work article
At Work article
Female nurses working nights weigh [slightly] more than those working days
Body mass index scores are slightly higher among female nurses working night shifts (or a mix of day, evening and night shifts) than among those working regular day shifts, according to a recent study from the Institute for Work & Health. But we don’t yet know if this difference is important.
Published: April 2013
At Work article
At Work article
Work environment may put women at risk of diabetes
Limited discretion and authority to influence how to meet the demands of their job may put women at risk of diabetes, says a new study from the Institute for Work & Health and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences.
Published: October 2012
Research Highlights
Research Highlights
How work conditions affect depression
Several workplace factors are connected with depression among female workers, including the balance between worker effort and rewards, and the balance between work and family pressures.
Published: January 2006
Project