Are You Working Too Hard?

We’ve all heard a multitude of material about work/life balance – or in some cases the work/life unbalance.  However, I read a particularly interesting article about this topic recently that had some disturbing numbers:

• Among European workers, 6 out of 10 suffer from work stress.
• Among U.S. employees, 1 in 3 feels chronically overworked.
• More than 2 of every 3 Canadians find it difficult to balance family life with work.
• It is estimated that over 600 million workers or 22% of the global workforce spend more than 48 hours a week at their job.
• On average, U.S. dual income couples talk to each other only 12 minutes a day.

Did you know that some studies link long and irregular working hours with bad health, strained relationships, poor parenting, separation and divorce?  Chronic overwork has further been linked to obesity, alcoholism, heart disease, workplace accidents, drug dependency, anxiety, fatigue, depression and many other stress related disorders.  In fact, overwork can also be deadly.  One report estimates that in Japan about 10,000 people die annually from overwork, the very same number that die annually in that country from car accidents!  In fact, this phenomenon is so widespread that the Japanese have even coined a new word for it – karoshi – or death from overwork.

Can you believe that in the early 1930’s, due to advancing technology Professor Julian Huxley predicted that in the future no one would have need to work more than two days a week?

How about you?  Has your profession become your obsession?  Or have you managed to reach the elusive balance?

Comments

[epidemic obesity]

The problem is that many have to work too many hours to make ends meet for their families! and not know the word break as they depend on work to eat and can not have a place to relax!

[generic viagra]

It is very true as computer world is growing. The people starts getting more tension because of this drastic change. you have given very good information about work stress. you have analyse this data very nicely. Thanks for this valuable data. Would like to follow your blog.

.....Alex

[zhfshdjk@hotmail.com]

Well, I wouldnt really say theyre dangerous, rather just not an ideal snack, by themselves while not in the midst of prepping for or recovering from a workout.

[Total Commander]

You have good insight on the issue, i have bookmarked your site. I have to show my friend this.

[karolina]

They only talk to each other 12 minutes a day??!! that's crazy, what kind of life is that?!
I will never settle for that lifestyle, I believe that you have the choice..