Volatile work schedules linked to burnout and health problems
Apr 17, 2024, 6:30 PM | Updated: 6:58 pm
An NYU study shows that people with volatile work schedules are more likely to have health concerns and experience burnout.(Canva)
(Canva)
SALT LAKE CITY — A new study finds that volatile work schedules cause burnout and is detrimental to overall health. The study by a NYU Social Work professor Wen-Jui Han included data compiled over 30 years.
The study looked at the work schedules and sleep patterns of more than 7,000 Americans. Those who worked schedules with rotating shifts had a greater likelihood of health problems like diabetes, obesity and heart disease. The main reason for that: a sacrifice in sleep.
Jamaica Shiers of Path Behavioral Health in Salt Lake said it’s seen many of its adult clients show signs of burnout.
“There’s a lot of pressure to work through your lunches, and there’s a lot of pressure to always be at peak performance regardless of your job,” she said.
She said “burnout culture” is very evident in those who pushed themselves too hard when they were younger. She hopes this new generation of workers learn from their parents’ negative work experience.
“This generation currently, have a lot more say and are very aware of how their parents were burnt out growing up,” she said. “You know, they don’t want that.”
Shiers said Path Behavioral Health counsels its clients to learn self-care and take advantage of work-from-home and telehealth opportunities. It wants people to “not just [go] home and [take] a shower for the day, [but] actually implement self care into your life and [take] time for yourself.”
