Long hours affect staff mental health

Nearly half of all employees work such long hours that they neglect
aspects of their lives which can protect them from mental health
problems.

A report by the Mental Health Foundation shows that nearly
two-thirds of employees have experienced a negative effect on their
personal life due to long hours. These include physical and mental
health problems, poor relationships and home life, and a lack of
personal development, the report finds.

Reasons cited for working long hours include financial need and
pressure to finish tasks.

The report suggests that individuals take responsibility for their
work-life balance and speak up when demands are too great. They
should also take seriously the link between work-related stress and
mental ill- health and try to reduce stress.

The charity calls on the government to set up an independent agency
to modernise industrial practice and encourage new ways of
working.

– Whose Life is it Anyway? from
www.mentalhealth.org.uk/html/content/updatev04i14.pdf