Cody Griffin, Rapid News Network, Sep 8, 2015
A joint research involving scientists from Stanford University and the Harvard Business School reviewed a large body of scientific literature on the matter, as well as previous studies and concluded that stress at work is as unsafe to our health as secondhand smoking.
The researchers performed a meta-analysis on 228 studies that assessed the effects of 10 workplace stressors on employee physical and mental health, morbidity, and mortality.
A new study found that many workers aren't taking care of their mental health. It was found that people who are anxious about losing their jobs are 50 percent more likely to have poor health. Included in those categories were familial conflict, insecurity in jobs, high demands, benefits, longer work hours, and little organizational control. High job demands had an effect on morbidity, with a calculated increase of 35 percent more chances to be diagnosed with a severe illness. The presence of workplace stressors predicted negative health outcomes nearly as well as exposure to secondhand smoke does.
Here's something to consider as you celebrate Labor Day weekend: New research suggests job stress is as bad for your health as second-hand smoke. Statistics reveal that the odds of becoming sick or dying early are greatly increased by workplace stress.
"When you think about how much time individuals typically spend at work, it's not that surprising", says study co-author Joel Goh, an assistant professor of business administration at Harvard Business School.
While an increasing number of employers are keeping up with the latest trends in healthy lifestyle choices and involving their employees in programs designed specifically to address these issues, stress stemming both from the employees' personal and professional lives is often overlooked. Write down the moments when you feel stressed, described the circumstances, causes and the experience itself.
We know that it's not good for us, but did you ever wonder just how bad it is for us? Psychologist Joanna Lipari noticed that patients who enjoy their job deal with stress better than those who dreaded work. She adds that if you do not like what your work, it might be helpful to shift careers or look for something that you are passionate about.
If they want you to be available all day for phone conversations and emails, ask them when exactly you are supposed to answer their after-hours messages, within the hour?
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