I found this Swedish study very interesting. I wonder if there is a similar result in any research conducted in the United States. I would be curious to see if work environments are changing as a result of so many labor laws that promote safer work places. High pressure jobs that demand high performance from employees may have an effect on health due to the stress impossed by expectations from clients, bosses, peers, etc. Many "bosses" lack the leadership skills to lead people and are more concerned with the bottom line (profit) therefore the human factor is just the means to an end. Smart bosses will recognize the advantage of having "happy" workers to achieve higher productivity and at the same time providing opportunities for a balanced career-family life. There is not question that in today's world we are working harder and technology is made us available 24/7.
Americans for example are "connected" to lap tops, cell phones around the clock and while on vacation. I am sure our bodies will at some point suffer the consequences. Is it our choice? Or are our bosses' expectations that we are available around the clock?
Employees need to recognize when a balance point is needed to maintain healthy bodies. Stress is part of life but toxic stress is not what we need. "Barking" bosses could be just a piece of the puzzle in modern society but it is our work habits, expectations and priorities that have contributed to higher toxic levels of stress that are contributing to chronic conditions.
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I found this Swedish study very interesting. I wonder if there is a similar result in any research conducted in the United States. I would be curious to see if work environments are changing as a result of so many labor laws that promote safer work places. High pressure jobs that demand high performance from employees may have an effect on health due to the stress impossed by expectations from clients, bosses, peers, etc. Many "bosses" lack the leadership skills to lead people and are more concerned with the bottom line (profit) therefore the human factor is just the means to an end. Smart bosses will recognize the advantage of having "happy" workers to achieve higher productivity and at the same time providing opportunities for a balanced career-family life. There is not question that in today's world we are working harder and technology is made us available 24/7.
Americans for example are "connected" to lap tops, cell phones around the clock and while on vacation. I am sure our bodies will at some point suffer the consequences. Is it our choice? Or are our bosses' expectations that we are available around the clock?
Employees need to recognize when a balance point is needed to maintain healthy bodies. Stress is part of life but toxic stress is not what we need. "Barking" bosses could be just a piece of the puzzle in modern society but it is our work habits, expectations and priorities that have contributed to higher toxic levels of stress that are contributing to chronic conditions.
November 27, 2008 - 12:46amThis Comment
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