Lack of time control makes you sick

A low level of control over working time increases the risk of health problems, according to Finnish researchers.

A study found that the risk is highest among women - especially those with families - and manual workers. Women with poor control over their working time were almost twice as likely to have poor self-rated health, were 40% more likely to report psychological distress, and had a 50% higher risk of medically certified sickness absences.

* Ala-Mursula, J Vahtera, J Pentti and M Kivimäki, "Effect of employee worktime control on health: a prospective cohort study", Occupational and Environmental Medicine, vol.61, pages 254-261, 2004.