Working yourself to the bone involves putting in at least 55 hours a week, and this could be crushing you. According to a recent study from the World Health Organization and the International Labour Organization, the cost of working unusually long hours has real, disruptive consequences.
Japan Times said people in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific region, including China, Japan, and Australia, were the most affected.
The research was the first worldwide review of the lack of life and health associated with working long hours. Researchers published the results in the Environment International journal on Monday.
OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 05: John Heckert wipes his eyes as he uses a computer to fill out paperwork for unemployment insurance at Eastbay Works Oakland One-Stop Career Center August 5, 2010, in Oakland, California. U.S. jobless claims unexpectedly rose by 19,000 new claims for the week ending on July 31.
WHO Study Finds Severe Health Conditions Due to Overworking
Overworking has long been attributed to significant health problems. The researchers conducted the study before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Employees usually require employees to go to an office and work in labor-intensive occupations or even work on the field.
However, it is a separate case nowadays. Many people worldwide have shifted to a modern and digital system where people must work from their homes.
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Most people nowadays report to work straight from bed and be asked to stay for longer hours due to the convenience of staying at home and not commuting from home to the workplace and vice versa.
The new survey conducted by the World Health Organization and the International Labor Organization claimed that people now have a 35 percent increased risk of stroke. WHO and ILO also mentioned a 17 percent increased risk of heart disease. That is where they work more than 55 hours a week, which is more than the ideal labor hours of 40 hours per week, reporting 8 hours a day for five days.
But the situation varies due to the inclusion of a half-day or full-day shift on Saturdays or Sundays. Despite not getting as tired as office work, the exhaustion the body experiences when sitting in front of a computer and working all day takes a toll on the body.
According to a Reuters report, the findings of the joint analysis also revealed that 72 percent of the victims were middle-aged or older men. Deaths occurred even later in life, many decades after the shifts began to function.
Experts Share Tips On Avoiding Health Risks from Working from Home
Experts suggested that employers or laborers must devise a new working scheme or arrangement for their workers - especially if they have control over the circumstances - to avoid this unfortunate event from happening. According to a WellBeing report, experts discouraged the workers from working extended periods spent in front of a computer. Workers should take at least 10 minutes off for every hour they work, experts added.
Drinking plenty of water and consuming nutritious meals, as well as stretching in between breaks, are both recommended.
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