Definition of Stress and its Health Effects / Impact on Body.
Something, whether physical, emotional, or psychological, presses on the body to cause stress. It occurs when people feel their life circumstances outweigh their responses. Acute stress can be action-prompting, but chronic stress is disease-causing. Excessive stress also perturbs physiology to cause problems like hypertension, diabetes, and compromised immune systems. Chronic stress leads to a 17% higher risk of heart disease and a 35% greater risk of stroke in those who work long hours, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Stress also speeds mental decline, making it more likely that we’ll develop depression and anxiety, which leads to higher mortality.
Research Findings on Stress Levels in Healthcare Personnel
The physical and psychological demands placed on healthcare workers are significant (particularly during overtime hours). Working for long hours deteriorates body and brain, increasing the risk of diseases like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The emotionally draining conditions—patient pain and high-stakes decision-making—increase stress and burnout. Musculoskeletal disorders and chronic pains are a result of physical stresses such as standing for prolonged times and performing the same motion over and over again. Lack of sleep from irregular or long shifts further reduces immunity and cognitive function and increases the risk of illness and injuries. These challenges must be addressed through more efficient scheduling, wellness, and emotional interventions if healthcare workers are to remain healthy and well.
Key Statistics:
Overtime Workers: 60% report high stress and burnout.
Non-Overtime Workers: Only 25% report high stress, emphasizing the importance of controlled work schedules.
Effective Stress Relievers:
35% cite exercise as a helpful outlet.
30% benefit from mindfulness practices.
20% rely on organizational support programs such as counseling or peer support groups.
Recommendations to Address Stress:
Stress management for medical staff requires multidisciplinary intervention. Employers should also have sensible work-hour policies to avoid overtime and promote work-life balance. Offering mental health resources like counseling and stress management workshops could also assist workers to adapt. Breaks during shifts and open hours alleviate fatigue and enable recovery. Peer support services and transparency create a collaborative culture at work. Other wellness offerings such as mindfulness training
Health Risks of Long Work Hours: The Link to Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes
Longer hours are associated with cardiovascular risks and diabetes. A survey by the WHO and the International Labour Organization (ILO) finds that when working 55 or more hours a week, you are 17% more likely to die of heart disease and 35% more likely to die from stroke than if you work 35–40 hours a week.
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
According to a study in BMJ Diabetes Research & Care, women who work 45+ hours per week have a 51 percent higher risk of developing diabetes than those who work 35-40 hours per week.
Such results highlight the health dangers of prolonged work hours and stress the need to balance working schedules for well-being.
Conclusion
Health risks for healthcare workers arise from extended hours, such as increased risks for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mental health problems. The physical rigour of the work, emotional pressure, and lack of rest compound these risks. Work hours can contribute to chronic stress, burnout, and compromised body condition, which will impact employees and patient care. In response to these issues, employers will need to ensure their employees are treated well with reduced overtime, work-life balance, wellness programs, and mental health care. These steps are necessary for a more sustainable, healthy healthcare system.
Sources:
Cohen, C., Pignata, S., Bezak, E., Tie, M., & Childs, J. (2023). Workplace interventions to improve well-being and reduce burnout for nurses, physicians and allied healthcare professionals: a systematic review. BMJ Open, 13(6), e071203. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-071203
Putri, N. K., Melania, M. K. N., Fatmawati, S. M. Y., & Lim, Y. C. (2023). How does the work-life balance impact stress on primary healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic? BMC Health Services Research, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-023-09677-0
Søvold, L. E., Naslund, J. A., Kousoulis, A. A., Saxena, S., Qoronfleh, M. W., Grobler, C., & Münter, L. (2021). Prioritizing the mental health and well-being of healthcare workers: An urgent global public health priority. Frontiers in Public Health, 9, Article 679397. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2021.679397
Written By.
Juram Gorriceta MPA HCM BSN RN, PMEC, LSSWBC, AIPEC
Healthcarebeyond 
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