The Hidden Cost You Pay for Working 70 Hours a Week

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Highlights:

• The push for a 70-hour workweek, once glorified, is now revealing its grim consequences
• Prolonged hours lead to physical health risks like fatigue and cognitive decline, along with a toll on mental health and strain relationships
• To effectively manage work-related stress, releasing guilt, and challenging the overwork mentality are crucial for a healthier work-life balance

It has caused an explosion on social media and other platforms due to NR Narayana Murthy's advice that Indian youngsters should work 70 hours a week to boost the country's overall productivity. The idea of working long hours has become increasingly normalized, with many people believing that putting in a 70-hour workweek is a testament to their dedication and work ethic.

While hard work and commitment are essential in achieving success, there is a darker side to these excessively long work hours. In the first global study of the loss of life associated with longer working hours, the paper in the journal Environment International showed that 745,000 people died from stroke and heart disease associated with long working hours in 2016 (1^✔).

‘Global study reported that 745,000 people died from stroke and heart disease associated with long working hours. #70hour #narayanmurthy #medindia’

Physical Health Risks of a 70 Hour Work Week

Working 70 hours a week can have a profound impact on an individual's physical health. A consistent lack of sleep and prolonged hours spent at a desk or on one's feet can lead to a host of health issues. These may include:

1. Fatigue and exhaustion:

   Constantly working long hours can leave individuals feeling perpetually fatigued, making it difficult for them to find the energy and motivation to engage in physical activities or maintain a healthy lifestyle

2. Sleep disturbances:

   Evidence supports the link between sleep problems and shift work. Sleep-deprived individuals experience impairments in concentration, reaction time, memory, learning, mood, communication skills, and decision-making.
   
   People suffering from sleep deprivation often underestimate their performance deficits, believing they are functioning better than they actually are, which can have serious implications in critical situations such as driving or providing patient care

3. Decline in Neurocognitive Functions:

   Sleep deprivation leads to a wide range of cognitive declines, including reduced alertness, involuntary sleep episodes, and increased pressure for the brain to fall asleep

4. Increased risk of injuries:

   Overworking can lead to a lack of focus, which increases the likelihood of accidents and injuries in the workplace.Ten-hour shifts increased risk by 13%, and 12-hour shifts raised risk by 28% when compared to 8-hour shifts

Dembe, Erickson, Delbos, and Banks (2005) noted a potential "dose response" in which worker injury rates rose in tandem with weekly work hours. According to Folkard and Lombardi, the greatest danger is associated with long shifts that take place at night. This is especially concerning for jobs that require precision and attention to detail (2^✔).

Mental Health Consequences of a 70 Hour Work Week

A 70-hour work week not only takes a toll on physical health but also on mental well-being. Some of the mental health consequences associated with excessive work hours include:

1. Stress and anxiety:

   The constant pressure of work and tight deadlines can cause elevated stress and anxiety levels, potentially leading to burnout or more serious mental health conditions

2. Depression:

   Prolonged stress and fatigue can increase the risk of depression, as individuals may struggle to find a healthy work-life balance and experience a sense of hopelessness

3. Neglected family and social life:

   Long hours at the office can lead to neglecting important relationships, causing emotional distance and potential conflicts with loved ones

4. Decreased social support:

   When work becomes all-consuming, individuals may have less time for socializing and building a support network, which is crucial for emotional well-being. A demanding work schedule can lead to social isolation and feelings of loneliness, further exacerbating mental health issues (3^✔)

Follow this to Effectively Manage Work-related Stress

1. Establish Clear Boundaries:

   Define your expectations and daily goals. Decide when your workday ends and stick to it, regardless of your progress or location

2. Create a Consistent Routine:

   Plan enjoyable activities for after work, such as attending an exercise class, reading a book, or practicing yoga. This can provide a positive transition from work to personal time

3. Release Guilt:

   Don't feel guilty about clocking out when others are still working or online. Dr. Borland emphasizes the importance of self-care, as it is essential to be the best partner, parent, sibling, or child

4. Challenge the "Overwork" Mindset:

   Society often praises excessive work hours on minimal sleep as an achievement. Let's challenge this mindset and "Choose Ourselves" instead (4^✔)

The International Labour Organization shows that working more than 55 hours a week can have negative effects on your health.While hard work and dedication are undoubtedly commendable, a 70-hour work week comes with significant risks to physical, mental, and social well-being.

It's important to strike a balance between work and personal life, as neglecting the latter can have serious consequences. Employers and employees alike should be aware of these risks and prioritize the health and happiness of their workforce.

Achieving success should not come at the expense of one's well-being, and it's essential to recognize that there is more to life than just work.

References :

1. WHO: Working long hours is a 'serious health hazard' - (https:www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/05/new-study-shows-that-longer-working-hours-can-lead-to-serious-health-problems/)
2. Negative Impacts of Shiftwork and Long Work Hours - (https:www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4629843/)
3. Incidence of overwork-related mental disorders and suicide in Japan - (https:pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29897506/)
4. 5 Side Effects of Working Too Much - (https:health.clevelandclinic.org/effects-of-working-too-much/)

Source: Medindia

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