Job stress and lack of control take years off life

Written by Emily Lunardo
Published on

Job stress and lack of control take years off lifeWorking in a demanding job with little control can shave years off your life, according to research findings. Study leader Erik Gonzalez-Mule explained, “We found that individuals in highly stressful jobs with little control die at a younger age than workers who have more control in their jobs.”

On the other hand, researchers found that employees with high control over their work had a 34 percent lower risk of early death.

“We know that workplaces do affect health. In particular, there’s evidence showing that stressful jobs affect our satisfaction with our lives,” added Gonzalez-Mule. “Workers who have less control over their stressful jobs are more likely to be overweight than those workers who can control their jobs.”

The researchers looked at nearly 2,400 people in a long-term study. The participants answered questions regarding their jobs, and their state of health was monitored for the duration of the study period. Low levels of job control were defined as “an inability to set one’s own goals, decide how to accomplish tasks, and prioritize work,” explained Gonzales-Mule.
“Examples of jobs that could are traditionally low-control include construction workers, auto mechanics, or nursing aides. Examples of jobs that are traditionally high-control include supervisors, craftsmen, and construction inspectors. Having low control over a stressful job was associated with a 15.4 percent increase in the likelihood of death, compared to having low control over a low-stress job,” he added.

The researchers suggest that long-term stress could be a contributing factor leading to high blood pressure and unhealthy habits like smoking or eating unhealthy foods.

Gonzales-Mule recommends that putting forth a greater focus on the individual employee and their feelings in the job sector. Employees need to feel that they are in greater control of their work in order to reduce stress.


Related Reading:

Job dissatisfaction in early life could determine later-life health

Your job is making you obese: Study

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On any matter relating to your health or well-being, please check with an appropriate health professional. No statement herein is to be construed as a diagnosis, treatment, preventative, or cure for any disease, disorder or abnormal physical state. The statements herein have not been evaluated by the Foods and Drugs Administration or Health Canada. Dr. Marchione and the doctors on the Bel Marra Health Editorial Team are compensated by Bel Marra Health for their work in creating content, consulting along with formulating and endorsing products.

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