Workaholic by choice or by force, be very careful: working too many hours kills hundreds of thousands of people a year, according to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The first global study of its kind showed that 745.000 people died in 2016 from strokes and heart disease due to too many hours spent at work.
The report found that people living in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific region were the hardest hit.
The WHO also said the trend may have worsened due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The tragic number: 55
Research has found that working 55 hours or more a week is associated with a risk of stroke higher than 35% and a risk of death from heart disease 17% higher compared to a 35-40 hour work week.
The study, conducted in partnership with the International Labor Organization (ILO), also showed that almost three-quarters of those who died of overwork were middle-aged or older men.
Working too much: a wake-up call
The serious period we are experiencing is also making us recognize the importance of health and balance between work and private life.
Although the study did not cover the period of the pandemic, WHO officials confirm that the recent boom in smart working and the economic crisis may have increased the risks associated with working too many hours.
“We have some data showing that when countries go into lockdown the number of hours worked increases by about 10%,” says WHO technical officer Frank Pega.
The report estimates that long hours of fatigue are responsible for about one third of all occupational diseases.
We need to run for cover
The WHO suggests that employers should now take this into account when assessing health risks for their employees.
Limiting the time spent working would also be beneficial for employers: several studies have already shown that a reduction in hours increases, does not reduce productivity.
The results of this study also show in all their evidence that a universal income it is a measure that can no longer be postponed.
