Irish Independent, Jobs & Careers, 12 April 2007

The worker bees

For people whose jobs require them to work long hours, it can be difficult to avoid the associated stress and impact on their personal lives. But there are coping strategies. Lauren Mulhall reports.

The long-hours working culture in Ireland is being embraced by a growing number of employees hoping to fast-track their rise in the corporate world. However, the potential rewards of continuously putting in overtime often come at a high price – mental and physical breakdown.

John Cusack, group managing director of Ceridian in Ireland, says many Irish employees are working around the clock in the hope of making a good impression in the office and standing out among co-workers.

“There are a lot of employees, particularly those in the early stages of their career, who are willing to go that extra mile by working long hours to try to make an impact”, he says.

“The problem is, if you’re working continuously without taking a break, your productivity is going to suffer and mistakes are going to be made. Taking time off is vital if you want to stay tuned in.”

According to psychotherapist and counsellor Catherine Keers, the health risks associated with working long hours are mainly related to stress and anxiety and the fallout from these two factors.

“Some of the more serious long-term effects of prolonged exposure to stress are believed to be loss of confidence and self-esteem, depression, nervous breakdown, alcohol and drug abuse, relationship/family problems, heart disease, impaired sexual function and increased blood pressure.”

Keers says employees can detect the early signs of stress and address the problem before it gets out of hand. Early symptoms can include disturbed sleep, irritability and short-temperedness, difficulties with concentration and decision-making, increased cynicism and changes in appetite. Digestive problems, lack of energy, muscle tension/pain and restlessness or difficulties relaxing are also key signs of work-related stress.

Keers believes if an individual is feeling increasing pressure from working excessive hours, there are steps that can be taken to help handle that stress. “To manage stress it’s important to become self-aware and avoid judging yourself,” she says.

“Start by making a conscious effort to observe and manage your responses to stress. This can be done by consciously taking note of and not ignoring the way in which you react to stress, both physically and emotionally. Look out for the symptoms and think about what triggers that reaction in you.

“Next, evaluate the triggers and look at what can be done. Recognise what is in your power to change. Finally, if you feel you are having difficulties with work-related stress and are worried about the health implications, visit your general practitioner and discuss these openly.”