New research shows too much work is not good for you after
all
6 March 2009
With all the kafuffle from UK businesses and
the government around opt outs to the working time directive, and
fit notes instead of sick notes, new research shows in fact too
much work is not good for you.
There has been an overtime culture in the UK
for decades, with millions of workers actually working this
overtime for no extra pay. Employees who work long hours could be
putting themselves at risk of developing dementia. That is
according to research from the Finnish Institute of Occupational
Health published in the American Journal of Epidemiology.
The study of 2,214 British civil servants found that middle aged
employees who worked for over 55 hours a week also had worse short
term memory and were less able to recall words than those who
worked less than 41 hours.
Commenting on the results, the researchers
said: "This study shows that long working hours may have a negative
effect on cognitive performance in middle age.
"The link between cognitive impairment and dementia later in life
is clearly established."
The researchers went on to suggest that employees who work long
hours are putting themselves as at much risk of developing dementia
as those who smoke.
For more information contact:
Rob Miguel Unite Health and Safety Advisor on
07900804911
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