Is your job slowly killing you? Here’s how workload & death linked
Is your job slowly killing you? In today's fast-paced world, the pressure to perform and meet deadlines is relentless.
But is this constant stress taking a toll on your health?
Emerging research suggests that a heavy workload may be more than just a nuisance—it could be a serious threat to your life.
As per the study and research, individuals in high-stress jobs with little control over their work have a higher mortality rate and poorer health compared to those who have more flexibility and discretion in their jobs. The study, which tracked a longitudinal sample of 2,363 people in their 60s over seven years, found that high job demands increase the likelihood of death by 15.4 percent in low-control jobs compared to low job demands.
Conversely, for individuals in high-control jobs, high job demands decrease the likelihood of death by 34 percent compared to low job demands.
The results suggest that employers should not necessarily reduce job demands but should restructure jobs to give employees more control over their work.
Allowing employees to set their own goals and schedules can mitigate the negative health effects of high-stress jobs.
The lack of resources to cope with demanding jobs can lead to unhealthy behaviors such as overeating and smoking. Cancer was the leading cause of death (55%) among the study's participants, followed by circulatory (22%) and respiratory system ailments (8%).
The research found that people with greater control over their work view stress as beneficial, as it encourages problem-solving and prioritization.
- With inputs from agencies
