Job Related Stress
Ups Risk of Colds and Flu
Stressed out workers are significantly more likely than their relaxed
counterparts to develop acute infections such as common colds, flu-like
illnesses and gastroenteritis, according to a study of more than
8000 employees from various companies who were tracked for 3 years.
The analysis revealed that
employees in highly demanding jobs suffered from colds 20% more
often than employees
in less demanding positions. Job
insecurity also led to an increase in ailments.
In addition, employees working
shifts have a higher chance of developing infections than daytime
employees,
found the study. The risk
is greatest among those who work in a three-shift system.
And, subjects who complained
of job "burnout" suffered
from gastroenteritis almost twice as often as employees without "burnout".
Source: Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research, January
24, 2003 |