Long Working Hours Are A Killer: WHO Study

According to the first global study of the loss of life associated with longer working hours, the Environment International paper journal’s paper revealed that 745,000 people lost their lives from stroke and heart disease associated with long working hours in 2016. That was an almost 30% rise from 2000.
"Working 55 hours or over per week is a serious threat to health," stated Maria Neira, director of the WHO's Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health.
"We want to promote more action and more protection of workers by this information," she said. According to the joint study, produced by the WHO and the International Labour Organization, most victims (72%) were men and were middle-aged or older. Mostly, the deaths took place after much time in life, sometimes decades later.

It was also revealed by the study that people living in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific region which includes China, Japan, and Australia, were the most affected. As per the overall study based on data from 194 countries, working 55 hours or more a week is linked with a 35% higher risk of stroke and a 17% higher risk of dying from ischemic heart disease as compared to a 35-40 hour working week.

Although the study was based on the period 2000-2016, and the COVID-19 pandemic was not part of it, according to WHO officials, the rise in remote working and the global economic slowdown due to the coronavirus emergency may have increased the risks.

"The pandemic is increasing developments that could result in a higher trend towards increased working time," stated WHO, estimating that a minimum of 9% of people work long hours.

WHO staff, which includes its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, mentioned that they have been working long hours during the pandemic and Neira stated that the U.N. agency would try to improve its policy considering the study.
According to WHO technical officer Frank Pega, restricting hours would be beneficial for employers in increasing worker productivity.

If you’re also stuck in long working hours. Here are a few steps you can take to minimize long working hours to maintain a healthier routine. 

Improve time Management:
Use time-tracking tools
You can use a time-tracking tool to manage your tasks within hours. 

Plan your day
Create a to-do list to allocate time blocks for tasks  

Set Realistic day
Avoid over-committing and make sure deadlines are doable. 

Prioritize Task: 

Use tools and ensure to do important tasks first. And focus on one task at a time to improve time efficiency.

Advocate work-life balance at work: 

Promote Flexible Work Arrangements
If possible, discuss options like remote work or flexible hours with your employer.

Encourage Efficient Meetings: Advocate for shorter, more productive meetings to save time. If work demands are excessive, discuss workload issues with your supervisor or HR.

Take Regular Breaks:

Follow techniques like the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break) to maintain focus and avoid burnout.

Prioritize Health and Well-being:

Exercise Regularly

 Physical activity can improve energy levels and productivity. Get Enough Sleep: Proper rest ensures you can work efficiently during designated hours.
Practice Stress Management:

 Techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help reduce stress.

By setting boundaries, managing time effectively, and prioritizing personal well-being, you can minimize long working hours and create a balanced lifestyle.