No one enjoys a high-stress workplace. When you dread going to work in the morning and you cannot wait for the clock to let you out at the end of the day, something is wrong. That stress can really sap your devotion to your job and many people constantly seek new opportunities to try to escape it.
That said, research indicates that a high-stress workplace does far more than just make your job — and your life — less enjoyable than you’d like. It can also lead to serious health complications.
Premature death
Is your job going to cause you to pass away before your time? One study says that it could contribute, linking harmful aspects of a job to anywhere from 10 percent to 38 percent of people who pass away prematurely. The career you pick could have a drastic impact on how long you live.
High stress
You may think that worrying about premature death is a bit over the top, but this is a more serious issue than many people realize. Just consider the ramifications of a high-stress work environment. They include issues like:
- Harmful substance abuse
- Lower exercise rates
- Higher rates of overeating
- Increased incidents of diabetes
- Increased cases of cardiovascular disease
- Increased rates of clinical anxiety
- Increased rates of clinical depression
Do not assume your body can absorb all of that work-related stress without feeling it. Even if you grit your teeth and try to tough it out, it takes a toll. The issues listed above can significantly impact your quality of life.
Stress and accidents
As stress chips away at your health, you may even face more immediate dangers from workplace accidents. Experts have found links between stress levels and on-the-job accidents.
Just imagine that you are frantically working, trying to make a deadline. You go through this every day at work. They barely give you enough time to get the job done, and you worry about losing your job if you do not rush. All that matters to your boss is production. He or she has told you that, if you do not work fast enough, they’ll find someone who can.
While rushing, workers around you start ignoring safety protocols. No one has the time to double-check a ladder or use proper safety gear. People hurry from task to task, taking risks and gambling every day.
When this all goes wrong, numerous people could get hurt. Heavy machinery, power tools, ladders, vehicles and many other workplace hazards deserve your full attention. Without it, accidents happen.
If you do get involved in an accident or suffer an on-the-job illness or injury, make sure you fully understand all of the legal rights you have.
