My post last week about the tight employment market generated a lot of discussion with business owners about the consequences of that tight market.

One theme which emerged from those discussions was the difficulty in finding quality candidates has resulted in business owners working longer hours in the business.  Whilst this may feel like a solution in the short term, it is definitely not a long-term solution.

In fact, research by the World Health Organisation (“WHO”) and the International Labour Organisation released earlier this year found that if a person works more than 55 hours per week the risk of death from heart disease increases by 42% and from stroke by 19%.  The WHO summarised the findings of the study as follows:

“Working 55 hours or more per week is a serious health hazard”

As a person who has over the journey regularly worked more than 55 hours in a week, I reflected on how the stress of working those hours showed up in my life being in the following ways:

1.       Emotional exhaustion which impacted on my personal relationships
2.       Poor sleep habits, which lead to my constantly feeling tired and worn-out
3.        Increased weight due to unhealthy eating habits and increased consumption of alcohol

I am interested in hearing your thoughts about dealing with the impact working long hours is having on your life.