We previously discussed the dangers that many workers face from extreme heat conditions, typically farming and construction industry employees, who often work outdoors without adequate breaks or access to fresh water.
Let’s not forget about white-collar workers, who appear to have cushy jobs in air-conditioned offices, but who may also be exposed to unhealthy environments. The extraordinarily long hours, demanding managers and tight deadlines have pushed some white-collar workers to the edge and, in some cases, have overworked them to death.
In May, 2024, a Bank of America investment banker and former Green Beret, 35-year old Leo Lukenas III, died after putting in 100 hours a week for a month while working on a $2 billion acquisition. He died when “a blood clot formed in a coronary artery.”
Twelve-hour days, 6 days a week, are the norm, say many interns, whose entry-level salaries may reach as high as $200,000 a year. Even 100 hours (or more) per week is possible for those working in high-stress jobs such as investment banking.
Many young employees don’t complain to their managers for fear of looking “weak.” One associate, according to the Wall Street Journal, left Bank of America when he was routinely asked to work 95-hour weeks. The WSJ, who spoke to dozens of bank employees, claimed that some upper managers told junior bankers to “ignore policies that limit working hours.”
These policies were installed years ago after a Bank of America intern in London, Moritz Erhardt, died in 2013 after having an epileptic seizure after working a series of grueling all-nighters. The new rules limited banker hours and gave bankers a “protected Saturday policy.”
Health problems from stress
For many young, ambitious employees, the long hours are worth the opportunity to make big bucks, while showing their managers they are willing to do almost anything to prove their loyalty and work ethic.
Not surprisingly, the excessively long hours and competitive workplace culture has taken a toll on the health of many workers, and not only investment bankers.
Some white-collar workers are sickened by unhealthy work environments such as mold, faulty or noisy air conditioners, and unsafe indoor air. Sometimes, these environmental hazards go undetected for years.
High levels of work-related stress
Stress has been another problem for many white-collar workers, who are often under extreme pressure to meet tight deadlines.
Some workers attempt to hide work-related stress symptoms such as extreme anxiety or burnout. Robert Sapolsky, in an article published by The American Institute of Stress, says: “The body is not designed to handle constant, unrelenting stress. Over time, the wear and tear can lead to severe health consequences.”
According to the American Institute of Stress: “Prolonged exposure to stress can lead to serious health problems including heart disease, hypertension and diabetes.”
A number of research studies have confirmed that long working hours and heavy workloads have led to physical problems such as heart attacks and strokes, weight gain, insomnia, as well as increased stress levels. Workplace stress not only keeps workers at home but makes them less productive at work.
Companies noted for providing first-class mental health support
Several independent sources have mentioned companies that provide first class mental health support to their employees. For example, Upkeep identified companies that have programs in place meant to improve the mental health of their employees.
These companies provided stress management and assistance programs (Johnson & Johnson
JNJ
), wellness programs (Unilever
UL
)), suicide prevention campaigns (Union Pacific
UNP
), physical and mental health services (Barry Wehmiller and New Brunswick Power), and a comprehensive mental health program (American Airlines
AAL
.
Also, Forbes magazine publishes an annual list of the best 100 companies to work for. The list is based on a survey of employees, which asks them a wide range of questions, including if they feel respected, if they receive support for their well-being, and if the company treats them fairly.
This year’s top 10:
- Hilton Worldwide Holdings
HLT
- Cisco Systems
CSCO
- Nvidia
NVDA
- American Express
AXP
- Synchrony
SYF
- Wegmans Food Markets
- Accenture
ACN
- Marriott International
MAR
- Cadence
CDNS
- Comcast
CMCSA
What can employers do to reduce worker stress?
There are a number of steps that employers can take to reduce worker stress.
Employers can follow the lead of the companies mentioned above by creating mental and physical health programs. According to the World Health Organization, depression is the biggest worldwide problem for workers, costing businesses nearly $500 billion in “lost productivity.”
Companies can also encourage employees to lose weight by helping them switch from a fast-food diet to a nutritious one. Employers may help workers find ways to quit smoking, provide healthy on-site meals and snacks, and allow unrestricted access to water coolers.
One idea for employers is to routinely give out anonymous stress surveys with an opportunity for employees to provide feedback. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a survey on their website with sample questions.
Although not always possible, it helps when employees are given more freedom depending on the type of work they do. If this is not feasible, employers may give some workers a variety of jobs rather than forcing them to do the same job every day. Rotating jobs helps reduce burnout.
To avoid emotional and physical work-related problems, employees should avoid working more than 80 to 100 hours a week. A 120-hour work week is not only unrealistic, but dangerous for workers. The human resources department probably has rules that prevent employees from working that many hours, but some managers ask their employees to hide the true number of hours worked.
It’s helpful when new, and typically younger workers, are given adequate training and an ongoing training program. Training programs help reduce stress in workers, especially for inexperienced or new hires.
Comfortable chairs and desks with neck and back rests or support pillows help show office workers that the company cares about their physical and emotional well-being. This may also help relieve repetitive strain injuries, i.e., damage to muscles and nerves resulting from constantly and repeatedly using the same motion.
Conclusion
White-collar workers who are asked to work extraordinarily long hours with unrealistic deadlines risk physical and psychological injuries, including anxiety and stress. It is up to employers, with help from the government, to make sure their employees are not asked by rogue managers to put their health and lives in danger just so they can help achieve a company’s financial goals.
Read more: Protecting workers from the heat: Juley Fulcher of Public Citizen on OSHA’s new rule
