Thousands of people a year die from overwork, and this trend is dangerously accelerating due to Covid-19
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerousHundreds of thousands of people per year die from the too much work, and this trend is dangerously accelerating due to Covid-19, which has forced many people to work from home, effectively abolishing the rigid boundaries between time to devote to work and free time.
A study conducted by the World Health Organization reveals the risks associated with overworking. This is the first worldwide study that correlates too much work and the death of people. It is estimated that, in 2016 alone, 745.000 people died of heart attacks and heart problems related to work-related stress (about 30% more than in 2000).
The study shows that most of the victims (72%) were middle-aged men. However, death often occurs decades later - so it is not always easy to link it to stressful working conditions. It also emerged that people residing in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific region (China, Japan, Australia) are those most at risk of work-related death. In short, work-related stress has turned out to be responsible for about one third of workplace deaths worldwide.
"Getting to work 55 hours a week is a serious health risk, because it is associated with a 35% higher risk of having a stroke and 17% of dying from cardiac ischaemia compared to those who work 35-40 hours. per week ”he declares Maria Neira, director of the Department of Environment, Climate and Health at WHO. "With the data obtained we can promote campaigns and programs to protect workers."
(Read: Spain experiences 4-day work week against increased burnout from Covid19)
Furthermore, the number of overworking people is dramatically increasing (it is estimated to be 9% of the world population), also due to the Covid-19 pandemic we are experiencing.
"Covid-19 has significantly changed the way people work" explains the director general of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Teleworking has become the norm in many businesses and often transcends the boundaries between home and work. In addition, many companies have been forced to downsize their staff, forcing staff members to work harder. But remember that no job is worth the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Governments, employers and workers need to work together to protect the health of workers. "
Fonte: World Health Organisation, Environment International
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