This is a picture of a flower.
Amir Razaqi

All human efforts take shape in the context of health, and in the presence of health, individuals in society will be able to benefit from other sources of life. The World Health Organization defines health not only as the absence of disease or disability, but as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. Human health is a fundamental right and resources for ensuring health should be accessible. Health has various dimensions and we are more familiar with its physical aspect, but it is important to recognize that all dimensions of health are equally important. Understanding and recognizing the comprehensive nature of health requires systems and structures that have control over the social, economic, and physical environment and have an impact on the health and well-being of individuals and society.

Social health is one of the topics that has received attention in recent decades as a factor affecting quality of life. Social health is a combination of several factors that together indicate how well a person performs socially, such as as a neighbor, colleague, and citizen. Today, social health has gained widespread recognition and importance as one of the dimensions of health, alongside physical, mental, and spiritual health. It is no longer just about being free from physical and mental illnesses, but also about how a person functions in social relationships and their thoughts about society, which are considered criteria for evaluating individual health at a societal level.

Social health has been a concern for both individuals and society as a whole. “Larson” defines social health as an individual’s evaluation of the quality of their relationships with family, others, and social groups. He believes that the measure of social health assesses a part of an individual’s overall health, indicating their satisfaction or dissatisfaction with life and the social environment, and includes internal responses such as feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. “Keyes” understands social health as an individual’s recognition of their performance in society and the quality of their relationships with others, close ones, and social groups, of which they are also a member. Keyes suggests five key indicators for social health: social well-being, social cohesion, social acceptance, social participation, and social integration.

In the field of social theories, this topic has also been addressed by sociologists, “Durkheim”, from the aspect of social cohesion, has examined its role in strengthening collective spirit and social benefit. Furthermore, creating a platform and strengthening honest behaviors, committed individual actions, education, and sustainable participation in personal and social development can have a significant impact on the growth of social capital and effective social health indicators.

Workers are the main pillar of the economy. The main burden of production and service provision falls on their shoulders, and they play a very important role in development. In order to fulfill their role properly, they must have good health, abilities, and necessary skills. A worker who has good health and abilities to deal with issues, problems, conflicts, and other challenges can be efficient. Therefore, paying attention to the health of this social class, especially their social health, will have a significant impact on the overall health of society and the economic development of the country.

Stable employment and job security play a major role in acquiring social skills, experiences, strengthening social networks, and ultimately, social well-being.

What is mostly discussed in social discussions about workers is the issue of inequalities and discrimination. The feeling of economic and social inequalities, unfair distribution of income, poverty, lack of sustainable social security among workers has a significant impact on social trust, social commitment, and their behaviors, which leads to a decline in social well-being. Adequate income can play a crucial role in shaping a healthy identity and self-esteem for them.

In the topic of social health, we are faced with indicators regarding workers, just like other social classes and groups. One of the most important issues that receives attention is the “life expectancy index”. In fact, life expectancy index is also one of the most important indicators of development. Where life expectancy is higher, it is assumed that the society is more developed and has good health, especially social health. Unfortunately, today we witness a double burden in the working class, as many workers spend their final years with illness and do not have proper access to welfare and social services, which decreases their life expectancy.

According to studies conducted on the social health of women, students, employees of organizations, teachers, etc., and its extension to workers, factors that can affect social health include symptoms and manifestations of illness (pain, discomfort, etc.), physical conditions in terms of functional abilities and performance (disabilities, mobility, etc.), activities related to social roles (marriage and family, environment, etc.), overall performance in society (social relationships and communication skills, leisure activities, etc.), necessary amount of sleep and rest (fatigue and comfortable sleep), energy and vitality (level of independence, ability to work, etc.), emotional state and situation (self-esteem, positive emotions, spiritual powers, personal beliefs, etc.), personal sense of health (energy, sexual relationships, etc.), overall satisfaction with life and its various dimensions (financial resources, security, social and economic status, etc.).

Studies conducted on social health, especially in the field of labor, have not been comprehensive and sufficient, considering their importance and necessity, and there is a research gap. It is necessary for scientific and academic institutions in Iran, as well as students and researchers, to pay attention to this issue and for relevant organizations to play a significant role in examining and implementing appropriate policies and solutions to improve the social health of workers and promote the overall health of society.