How The Anxiety Epidemic In The American Workplace Is Ruining Your Health

[xchrom]

http://www.businessinsider.com/americas-workforce-is-facing-an-anxiety-epidemic-2013-5


America is famously the most anxious nation in the world, with 31 percent of the country dealing with symptoms of anxiety, according to the World Health Organization.

While there are a host of factors that contribute to anxiety, our work culture plays a big role. It's where people spend most of their waking hours; and how we process our work lives has a dramatic affect on our well being.

"Surveys show that stress levels [in the US] have progressively increased over the past four decades," Paul J. Rosch, MD, Chairman of the Board of The American Institute of Stress, told the Atlantic's Maura Kelly.

Technology is a huge part of this trend, as it's completely transformed how we live and work. We're now connected 24/7, and the rapid pace of innovation means that almost any industry is constantly on the verge of being disrupted.


Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/americas-workforce-is-facing-an-anxiety-epidemic-2013-5#ixzz2UyJFuZEp

[marmar]

1. I have never seen so much tension and anxiety at the workplace.

Stress has tremendous effects on physical and mental health.

[xchrom]

2. indeed. nt

[tularetom]

3. Yep, keep 'em worried about whether they'll even have a job next week

and they'll quit bitching about the shitty wages you pay them.

And then you get to keep more money for yourself.

It isn't exactly rocket science.

[BrotherIvan]

4. Technology is not the problem

"Downsizing", the trend started in the 80s, was the beginning of the expendable employee. It's been downhill ever since.

[bettyellen]

6. Technology is a HUGE aspect when you are trafficking info and materials overseas

thirty years ago, when you mailed stuff, there was no tracking. Everyone lied and said things were "in the mail" when they weren't. I miss that! You didn't plan your work week around them, because it was unsure when they would arrive. Now, most if that stuff is emailed. And what does get mailed, you are forced to track and plan your schedule around. Computers are auditing the turn around time in such unforgiving detail, you need to be prepared defend why you didn't act on it fast enough.
Having co workers in China means phone calls at 10 PM or 5 am.

But also, that so many jobs had no healthcare meant many stuck with situations they hated. It's multi- faceted, but tech is a huge part of it for some.

[roamer65]

5. I mostly blame GATT, the WTO and NAFTA.

People are constant worry of losing their jobs due to our bad trade practices. All this garbage started in earnest under that Raygun moron.

"Free" trade is NOT fair trade.