The total work done on the ball during this process is the algebraic sum of the work done by the gravitational force and the work done by the spring force.

1. Work done by Gravity ($W_g$): The force of gravity ($mg$) acts vertically downwards. The ball moves from an initial height $h$ above the spring and further descends a distance $d$ as the spring compresses. The total vertical displacement in the direction of the force is $(h+d)$. Thus, the work done by gravity is positive: $W_g = mg(h+d)$.
2. Work done by the Spring Force ($W_s$): As the spring is compressed, it exerts a restoring force $F_s = -kx$ in the upward direction, opposing the downward displacement $d$. Since the force and displacement are in opposite directions, the work done by the spring is negative. Following the formula for spring work, $W_s = -\int_0^d kx dx = -\frac{1}{2}kd^2$.
3. Net Work Done ($W_{net}$): Summing the individual work components gives: $W_{net} = W_g + W_s = mg(h+d) - \frac{1}{2}kd^2$.