In this time of economic crisis, there is great concern with job security. The Times estimates that 50 million jobs could be lost in 2009 worldwide. This startling statistic makes employees appreciate their jobs and could encourage an adjustment to the work/life balance with an increase in working hours. But is this really the best reaction to the global economic meltdown? The Telegraph has reported that long working hours could actually increase the risk of dementia.
The findings of the article were published in the American Journal of Epidemiology. This report found that “middle-aged workers clocking up more than 55 hours a week have poorer mental skills, including short-term memory and ability to recall words, than those working fewer than 41 hours”. Extended periods of time at work requiring concentration and exerting the brain can actually reduce its function. Researcher Dr Marianna Virtanen found that “the difference between employees working long hours and those working normal hours is similar in magnitude to that of smoking, a risk factor for dementia.”
The Daily Mail also reported these findings and included comments from Professor Cary Cooper, an expert in workplace stress from Lancaster University, who said, “Working long hours obviously makes you very tired. If you do that on a consistent basis it’s going to affect your brain function. Long hours are not just bad for health, they are also bad for your performance.”
One in eight Britons work 48 hours a week, resulting in Britain having some of the longest working hours in Europe. The assumption from these reports is that people should work fewer hours in order to protect their mental health. But without working longer hours, many will struggle to keep up with repayments and bills. A tricky predicament to say the least, but all workers should ensure that their employer is up to the requirements of EU Working Time Regulations.
The basic rights and protections that the Regulations provide are:
* A limit of an average of 48 hours a week which a worker can be required to work (though workers can choose to work more if they want to).
* A limit of an average of 8 hours work in 24 which nightworkers can be required to work.
* A right for night workers to receive free health assessments.
* A right to 11 hours rest a day.
* A right to a day off each week.
* A right to an in-work rest break if the working day is longer than 6 hours.
* A right to 4 weeks paid leave per year.
If employers do not comply with the standard required by the EU, they could also be putting employee’s mental health in jeopardy. Ensure that your company complies with the basic regulations before overtime is considered, providing a safe environment and preventing all possible injury by adhering to necessary Regulations and legislation is imperative.
To read more about the Regulations go to: www.berr.gov.uk.
