Unhappy workers are more likely to become ill, according to a new study.
People with low job satisfaction are most likely to encounter emotional burnout, reduced self-esteem, anxiety and depression, say researchers.
Even a modest drop in job satisfaction could lead to burnout of "considerable clinical importance", the report warned.
The study of 250,000 employees was carried out by Lancaster University and Manchester Business School.
Depression and anxiety were now the most common reasons for people starting to claim long-term sickness benefits, overtaking illnesses such as back pain, it found.
Organisations are reducing their permanent workforce and converting to 'outsourcing', which is increasing feelings of job insecurity
Professor Cary Cooper, of Lancaster University Management School, urged employers to seriously tackle the issue with "innovative policies".
"This would be a wise investment given the potential substantial economic and psychological costs of unhappy or dissatisfied workers," he said.
"Workers who are satisfied by their jobs are more likely to be healthier as well as happier."
Professor Cooper said the changing nature of work was also having an impact on employee's health.
He said: "New working practices and technological advances are rapidly changing the way we work. Many jobs are becoming more automated and inflexible.
"Organisations are reducing their permanent workforce and converting to 'outsourcing', which is increasing feelings of job insecurity."
He added: "These trends have contributed to a 'workaholic' culture throughout the UK and Europe - a climate that is impacting negatively in the levels of enjoyment and satisfaction employees gain from their work."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4447684.stm
People with low job satisfaction are most likely to encounter emotional burnout, reduced self-esteem, anxiety and depression, say researchers.
Even a modest drop in job satisfaction could lead to burnout of "considerable clinical importance", the report warned.
The study of 250,000 employees was carried out by Lancaster University and Manchester Business School.
Depression and anxiety were now the most common reasons for people starting to claim long-term sickness benefits, overtaking illnesses such as back pain, it found.
Organisations are reducing their permanent workforce and converting to 'outsourcing', which is increasing feelings of job insecurity
Professor Cary Cooper, of Lancaster University Management School, urged employers to seriously tackle the issue with "innovative policies".
"This would be a wise investment given the potential substantial economic and psychological costs of unhappy or dissatisfied workers," he said.
"Workers who are satisfied by their jobs are more likely to be healthier as well as happier."
Professor Cooper said the changing nature of work was also having an impact on employee's health.
He said: "New working practices and technological advances are rapidly changing the way we work. Many jobs are becoming more automated and inflexible.
"Organisations are reducing their permanent workforce and converting to 'outsourcing', which is increasing feelings of job insecurity."
He added: "These trends have contributed to a 'workaholic' culture throughout the UK and Europe - a climate that is impacting negatively in the levels of enjoyment and satisfaction employees gain from their work."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4447684.stm
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