A new study conducted by The Lancet has found that working over 55 hours per week can be fatal.

The Study

The study analyzed data from 37 studies involving over 600,000 individuals across North America, Europe, and Australia.

The researchers found that individuals who worked over 55 hours per week had a 35% higher risk of stroke and a 17% higher risk of heart disease compared to those who worked the standard 35-40 hours per week.

The Risks

Working long hours can lead to a variety of mental and physical health problems. Some of the risks associated with working over 55 hours per week include:.

Stroke
Heart disease
Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety
Increased alcohol and tobacco consumption
Lower quality of life
Poor work-life balance
Increased risk of workplace accidents

The Causes

There are a variety of factors that can lead to long working hours including:.

Pressure to meet deadlines and achieve goals
Lack of control over work schedule
Lack of work-life balance
Financial need
Company culture that values long hours

The Solutions

There are a variety of solutions that can be implemented to mitigate the risks associated with working long hours. Some of the solutions include:.

Flexible work arrangements such as telecommuting, job sharing, and flexible schedules
Encouraging and providing resources for employees to take mental health breaks
Improving work-life balance
Providing financial support for employees during times of need
Creating a company culture that values work-life balance and mental health

Conclusion

Working over 55 hours per week can have serious health consequences. It’s important for individuals to recognize the risks associated with long working hours and for companies to implement solutions to mitigate those risks.