The other day, I responded to a new member’s introduction here at NAOHP—someone coming from a strong background in workers and family advocacy.
Reading their words got me thinking about how deeply advocacy is embedded in what we do, often more than we realize. It’s made me reflect on how central this support is—not just in helping workers recover from injury, but in promoting their overall well-being, and frankly, making our jobs more meaningful.
It’s funny how a simple welcome can lead to bigger reflections, but here we are. I wanted to share some thoughts on why I believe advocacy should be at the heart of occupational health, especially when we think about the worker as a whole person—mind, body, and social environment.
Connecting the dots: Why advocacy and the biopsychosocial model go hand in hand
- When I replied to that new member, I emphasized how crucial a holistic approach is—something that’s echoed in the biopsychosocial model. It’s pretty clear that injuries aren’t just physical issues; they’re intertwined with stress, emotional health, family, and even workplace culture.
- And that’s where advocates—whether they’re healthcare providers, family members, or supportive colleagues—really shine. They help make sure all these pieces fit together, giving workers the support they need to truly recover.
How advocacy shapes injury recovery
This got me pondering—how exactly does advocacy influence recovery? Well, it comes down to addressing some common but huge barriers:
Stress and Anxiety: Feeling supported and understood can help lower anxiety, which in turn promotes faster healing. Advocates help demystify processes and answer tough questions, so stress doesn’t become a barrier.
Mental Health: In injuries, emotions can run high—frustration, fear, even depression. Advocates can connect workers with mental health support, so healing isn’t just physical but emotional, too.
Family Involvement: Families are key to recovery—sometimes the unseen heroes. When we involve families in planning and education, workers often bounce back more confidently.
Navigating the System: Let’s be honest—healthcare systems, insurance, policies—they can feel overwhelming. Advocates serve as guides, helping workers find their way.
The bigger picture: Better well-being for workers and workplaces
- When advocacy becomes part of how we do things, it benefits everyone—workers and employers alike:
- Workers feel more supported, engaged, and confident about returning to work.
- Less downtime and fewer costs associated with long recovery.
- A stronger, more positive culture—workers see that their well-being is a priority, which builds trust.
- Early support can even prevent injuries or help catch problems before they worsen.
- In the end, supporting workers through advocacy isn’t just the right thing—it’s smart business, too.
Practical ways we can bring advocacy into everyday practice
- Thinking practically, I believe there are some simple, effective things we can do:
- Learn and share: Make sure our teams understand the importance of holistic, biopsychosocial care—including family support.
- Listen more: Create spaces where workers feel comfortable sharing their concerns and goals.
- Involve families: When appropriate, include loved ones in communication and planning.
- Build partnerships: Work with mental health pros, social workers, and community resources to give workers a full package of support.
- Lead by example: Develop policies that promote mental health, social support, and genuine well-being.
Moving forward—let’s champion advocacy together
- This whole reflection reminded me that advocacy isn’t just the job of a few specialists; it’s a mindset we all can embrace. When we see workers as whole people, our work becomes more meaningful—and their recovery, more complete.
- So, let’s keep talking about this, sharing ideas, and supporting each other. Because at the end of the day, every worker deserves genuine support—someone in their corner who recognizes their whole story.
