Stress caused by financial circumstances is taking an increasing toll on families, particularly when it comes to their health.

The Wesley Mission reports that more than a third of people in NSW - 850,000 households - are affected by financial stress, with the number of those "very worried" about the future doubling in the past five years. Money woes

A new study has shown that Australian businesses are losing billions in dollars' worth of productivity - despite the fact that workers are putting in long hours.

The Sydney Morning Herald has reported today (October 17) on the results of Ernst & Young's survey of 2,500 workers and their managers.

Australians work 44 hours per week on average - one of the highest rates in the developed world - however unproductive practices are creating a $109 billion dent in companies' bottom line.

There are a number of reasons why employees may choose to leave a particular company.

ORC International aim to help employers find out exactly why this occurs and have released a new engagement program which surveys outgoing staff.

It is hoped that companies will gain a better understanding of the motivation behind voluntary termination of contract.

The program highlights the need for employers to communicate with their workforce regularly in order to find out what their priorities are and how they can better utilise them.

For those employers who are looking to boost worker morale and productivity, you may be contemplating available options in the form of cash bonuses.

However, a recent article in the Sydney Morning Herald (October 11) has questioned the effectiveness of rewarding employees with more money.

Anthony Grant, director of the coaching psychology unit at the University of Sydney tells the SMH: "Once a household has an income of $100,000 a year, money is not a key motivator."

October 23 to 29 is National Safe Work Australia Week, encouraging employers across Australia to take the time to look at the health and wellbeing of their staff.

Safe Work Australia is behind the initiative and the organisation's Safety Ambassador Tom Phillips urges companies of all sizes to participate.

Phillips says: "To improve our national work health and safety record we all need to recognise that workplace safety is not just the responsibility of the government and management, but rather a commitment that should be made by every individual."

Whilst there has been a wealth of discussion surrounding the impact of the mining boom on the economy, the health and wellbeing of miners on the front line isn't as widely discussed.

A recent article in Mining Australia examined the issues faced by employees in the mining sector and called for more awareness surrounding mental health.

In news that many employers may find surprising, a study has revealed that people who sit down for more than four hours a day have a greater overall risk of dying.

The 45 and Up Study is conducted by The Sax Institute in partnership with NSW Health and the Heart Foundation.

Findings of the research released today (September 29) may be of interest to employers whose workforce spend the majority of their time sitting at desks.

Australian workers want more secure positions and access to benefits, according to the results of a survey by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU).

The research shows that 40 per cent of employed Australians are currently working in 'insecure jobs' and struggling with the lack of certainty they pose.

Insecure jobs include casual positions with fluctuating hours and short-term contracts that don't feature entitlements such as business health plans.

Energy company AGL has released their annual report which sheds some light on its approach towards employee health.

According to an official release: "There has been a reduction in the number of psychological and stress-related injuries compared to previous years after a recent focus on employee wellbeing and mental health."

Other companies can learn from AGL's example by implementing initiatives such as business health plans or lifestyle awareness programs.

A study of Gen Y workers in Western countries have shown that they are actively seeking out and prefer companies with strong values and a concern for their wellbeing.

According to the report by Johnson Controls and Hayworth Europe: "People are most likely attracted to a company where values are clearly communicated."