Supplemental work outside contractually agreed hours can lead to health issues

People that work outside contractually agreed hours are more likely to be struck down with health problems, according to a shocking new study.

The research, published in the leading academic journal Chronobiology International for a special issue on shift-work, also found that a phone call from your boss in the evening could harm your well-being.

The study compared work-related contact outside regular work hours, and working in free time, with self-reported work-related health impairments. It analysed data from almost 60,000 workers across the EU, and over half the sample recorded at least some supplemental work – a clear indication of the ‘always-on’ culture found in Europe.

The health problems included everything from cardiovascular and musculoskeletal issues to gastro-intestinal and psychological problems.

Lead author of the study, Anna Arlinghaus said:

Our findings indicate that even a small amount of supplemental work beyond contractually agreed work hours can lead to health issues. The correlation is very strong.

The study is a ringing endorsement for the recent rules introduced by France which safeguard people working in the digital and consultancy sectors from work email outside office hours.

The researchers are calling on employers to consider their workers’ health when setting the boundaries between work and private life.

Arlinghaus continued:

Employers should start to look at how they can minimise their employees’ supplemental work. It often needs to start at the top, with bosses taking the lead and attempting to change the culture at work. Not every country will implement regulations like France, so companies should look to make improvements of their own accord.

Source: http://informahealthcare.com/doi/full/10.3109/07420528.2014.957297