Do long hours really work better?

Increases in heart disease, psychological disorders, decreases in fertility and the rate of healthy newborns; we’re not talking about the risks of drug-taking or poor diet. These are some of the issues that have been associated with working long hours.

Australian workers do not have the laid-back, ‘she’ll- be-right’ culture that we think we have. In fact, in terms of numbers of hours worked per year, we’re the third most workaholic. Only New Zealanders and North Americans work more hours. Clearly the iconic laconic Aussie is a thing of the past. Although our economy is booming, we might have to question whether putting in long hours is really worthwhile.

It is easy to imagine people working harder in pre-industrial days to provide themselves with the basics. However, historians tell us that in most pre-industrial societies, life was much slower, and work hours required to meet simple living needs were fewer. It seems ironic that our hi-tech modern society has meant that we now work even harder. 

What are the social effects of working long hours?
Working long hours negatively effects families and relationships. It has been linked to family and marriage breakdowns. People who work too much will inevitably experience considerable disruption to their family and social activities.

People who work on weekends are particularly at risk of alienating themselves. They are also missing out on the rejuvenating aspects of family, religious or sporting events.

Responsibilities to the family and to the partner are often sorely neglected. These include household chores, child rearing and shopping, and being company for the partner.  This neglect can lead to family dysfunction and marital strain.

How might long hours effect health?
Mental health: Working long hours has the potential to affect your mental health.   Extremely long periods of concentration are both physically and mentally draining, and can lead to ‘burn-out’. Conditions such as anxiety and depression may also be exacerbated by long hours.

Heart problems: Its now accepted in scientific communities that long hours, (particularly in shift workers) may be responsible for an increase in cardiovascular disorders by up to 40%.

Digestive problems: Those who work long hours, particularly night workers, have the most instances of heartburn and stomach pain. Night workers also seem to have the most complaints of dyspepsia, heartburn, abdominal pains and flatulence.

Fertility problems: There is increasing evidence to suggest that shift work and particularly night work, may present special risks to women of child bearing age.

What can we do about it?
At some stage in our careers we’ve all worked long hours to meet deadlines and tackle extra heavy workloads. The challenge for employers is to recognise loyalty and commitment to the job, but simultaneously be aware of the dangers of overwork. Most employers are still unaware of how overwork can negatively impact the workplace.

Its up to the employer to put in place systems to make sure their people are not overworked.  Some of these systems could include:

• Ensuring that annual leave does not accrue;
• Monitoring staff for signs of fatigue and burnout, and where appropriate taking steps to reduce hours;
• Re-assessing work volume and work flow structures; and
• Encouraging employees to participate in healthy activities.