The New South Wales Business Chamber has criticised a recent study by the Australian Council of Trade Unions that showed high levels of dissatisfaction in the workforce.

NSW Business Chamber chief executive Peter Anderson says: "The reality is that small business sentiment about trading conditions and their desire to keep staff in work is much more of a concern than the relatively high levels of job satisfaction reported by independent research (76 per cent) and even the ACTU survey (70.3 per cent)."

The 2011 Global Mindset Index from rogenSi has recommended referrals to mental health professionals and employee assistance programs as ways to combat depression in the workplace.

Respondents were asked to tick a box next to a list of depressive adjectives, such as having poor appetite, feeling worried and feeling withdrawn.

23 per cent ticked five or more of the symptoms, highlighting the poor state of wellbeing for almost a quarter of the workforce.

Many companies simply don't investigate how much the wellbeing of their employees affects their annual profits.

You only have to look at the findings of private health insurance provider Medibank Private - which found that stress cost the Australian economy $14.81 billion in 2008 - to draw your own conclusions.

A study has revealed that employees who walk 10,000 steps a day and go to the gym three times a week can see a boost in productivity.

The Body-Brain Performance Institute (BBPI) has collaborated with Swinburne University's Brain Sciences Institute and believes that over a 60-day period, each employee increased productivity by $2,500.

Companies could use the research as further evidence of the benefits of having a healthy workforce.

A study of workers in the United Kingdom has found that Generation Y employees are more likely to be thinking about leaving their jobs compared to their older peers.

46 per cent of employees under the age of 24 are seriously considering leaving their position.

An additional 46 per cent between the ages of 25 and 34 were looking to switch jobs as well.

New research has highlighted the need for companies to look after the health of their workforce, as many are struggling to find the time to exercise.

Employees who have a weekly workload of 49 hours or more are likely to exercise at lower levels - or not at all in some cases - than those working 15 hours or fewer.

The lack of time is a key factor, as many simply cannot maintain a balance between work and a healthy lifestyle.

Australians are struggling to manage their work and home lives, according to a preliminary release of new survey data.

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) has reported that everyday workers are also facing tough times due to rises in the cost of living.

Over 41,000 workers have participated in the Working Australia Census - the largest of its kind in the country - which aims to give a voice to the concerns of the employed population.

The health and wellbeing of employees should be considered the responsibility of directors, managers and heads of organisations, according to a UK survey.

A report by the Institute of Directors and Health Safety Commission has highlighted the need for top level employees to lead initiatives in the workplace - such as corporate health plans and awareness campaigns.

A senate inquiry will hear from the families of firefighters as part of a review of legislation currently before federal parliament.

If passed, the bill will allow for additional support for fire safety workers battling cancer as a result of exposure on the job.

The legislation could mean that firefighters who are diagnosed with cancer following service will have the link properly recognised.

As a result, they could be entitled to worker's compensation to assist with health care.

Australian workers living with mental illness are not receiving adequate support in the workplace, according to the results of a new study.

National mental health charity SANE Australia looked at the experiences of workers and their management team, revealing a gap in education and support.

95 per cent of respondents stated that their employers and managers lacked sufficient knowledge about mental illness and how to address it in the workplace.