Overworking & Stress

Overworking & Stress Project 1: Research Report Anita Zeng YSDN 3006 Fall 2019 1 Contents Introduction 1 User Group 2 Current Market 5 Emerging Technologies 18 References 24 2 Introduction In the age of increasing automation and efficiency, there is a global trend emerging of workplace culture that values hyper-productivity, long hours, and poor work-life balance. A 2017 study revealed that 89% of the British workforce have forced themselves to go to work while sick, with over half reported having taken no sick days in the last 6 months (Bradley, 2017). In parts of Asian, the phenomenon of death by overwork is so commonplace that they have their own phrases: guolaosi in China and karoshi in Japan, where 20% report working over 80 hours of overtime weekly (Berke, 2018). Severe stress from overwork has been linked to higher rates of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes (Primm, 2005, Ross, 2015). Despite these significant health impacts, governments and corporations are slow to rethink our current workplace culture (Bradley, 2017). This research report will examine workplace stress with a focus on young professionals, aged 20 to 35, or approximately the millennial generation. It will critique trends surrounding the current products and services available, and consider emerging technologies from a broader healthcare scope that may facilitate better solutions. 3 User Group 4 Millennials & Overworking A few key demographic trends make millennials highly susceptible to overworking and its subsequent effect of severe stress. The majority of individuals in this age group are just starting their careers and likely have yet to learn how to establish a healthy work-life balance. Many overworked young professionals have reported initially feeling excitement at being important enough to be needed to work overtime (Cooper, 2013). While this work pace eventually leads to burnout, their inexperience with recognizing their limits may prevent them from decreasing to a healthy workload and may lead to reluctance in communicating their burden with superiors. Similarly, trends in the current economy have plagued young adults with high student debt and a difficult job market (Drillinger, 2018). This places many in a position where they place high value in their jobs and overwork off fear of being replaced. Millennials are statistically more likely to feel guilt over taking time off, either because they do not want to be viewed as slacking off or because they feel they cannot afford it (Carmichael, 2016). The final key characteristic of this age group that puts them at risk of overworking is the workplace environments they often find themselves in. Young adults are likely to be employed in modern, start-up companies where overworking and stress are a staple in the "hustle culture" (Griffith, 2019). This mindset, which began in the technology companies of Silicon Valley and has spread out to become synonymous with millennial work culture, enforces that anything is achievable through hard work and employees should be entirely devoted to their careers (Drillinger, 2018; Griffith, 2019). 5 Millennials & Health In terms of overall health concerns, millennials place greater importance on mental health than their preceding generations (Harpaz, 2019). Out of the top ten health conditions impacting millennials, six were behavioural health conditions—affecting mental health and emotional well-being—with major depression being the number one health issue (BCBS Health Index, 2019). This aligns with the overall trend of young adults having a more holistic approach to health, where 71% believe wellness includes both mental and physical health (Harpaz, 2019). Regarding healthcare solutions, millennials tend to have a distrust in the traditional healthcare system, with only 58% reporting that they trust their doctors and only 45% having a primary care physician (Harpaz, 2019; Kolpakov, 2019). Additionally, 50% of millennials have reported not seeing a doctor in order to save money, indicating the need for more cost-effective healthcare solutions (Harpaz, 2019). They are more open to alternative methods of healthcare, enjoy convenience, and wish to have information readily available to take their healthcare into their own hands (Harpaz, 2019; Kolpakov, 2019). With these values, it is no surprise that young adults are increasingly adopting technology-driven healthcare tools, such as wearable technology or online resources for health information, and have reported a desire to see more digital healthcare services in the future (Harpaz, 2019). 6 Current Market 7 Break Reminders Periodic breaks during the workday reduce the physical strains of remaining stagnant at a desk, decrease stress, and increase overall productivity (Reddy, 2018). Tools that remind users to take a rest from their work are often found in the form of desktop software, mobile applications, or smartwatches. Examples include EyeLeo, Stretchly, and Stand Up which use notifications or screen blocking to prompt the user to rest their eyes, stretch, or take a walk. EyeLeo application [Digital Image]. Retrieved from https://ccm.net/download/download-21828-eyeleo Stretchly application [Digital Image]. Retrieved from https://github.com/hovancik/stretchly 8 Stand Up application [Digital Image]. Retrieved from https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/stand-up-the-work-break-timer/id828244687 A major weakness of these solutions is the disruption to the user’s workflow. For example, having the screen blocked out by a stretch reminder during a business call would be less than ideal. Additionally, there is minimal incentive to actually comply with the prompts—users can easily dismiss the prompt or turn away from their computer screens only to look at their phone screens instead. 9 Team Management Team management tools take an organizational approach to relieving workplace stress by streamlining collaboration, project workflows, and scheduling. These are often found in the form of online platforms, some with accompanying mobile applications. There are roughly three categories of team management tools: task management, communication, and time tracking. Examples of task management platforms include Trello, Monday, and Basecamp. Trello application [Digital Image]. Retrieved from https://trello.com/guide/create-a-board 10 Monday application [Digital Image]. Retrieved from https://monday.com Basecamp application [Digital Image]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=su5xAZHF114 11 Popular team communication tools include Slack and Twist. Slack application [Digital Image]. Retrieved from https://slack.com/intl/en-in/downloads/windows Twist application [Digital Image]. Retrieved from https://zapier.com/blog/updates/1106/twist-integrations 12 Lastly, examples of time trackers are Clockify and TimeCamp. Clockify application [Digital Image]. Retrieved from https://clockify.me/help/reports/summary-report TimeCamp application [Digital Image]. Retrieved from https://www.softwarepundit.com/timecamp-review 13 A drawback of these digital tools is that they are accessible from anywhere and, paired with the persistent notifications, may encourage employees to work outside the office. While digital communication can help facilitate open conversations between employees and their superiors, they do not address the issue of young adults being reluctant to admit they are overworked. In the case of time trackers, while they can be a tool for managers to evenly distribute workload, the hours logged are not always an accurate reflection of how much stress an employee is under. Studies have shown that employees who work long hours but are able to switch off from work mode face less negative health effects than employees who work the same number of hours but tend to obsess over their work (Darmody, 2018). Additionally, allowing employees to see their times logged may create a competitive environment within the workplace. 14 Desk Toys These stress-relief gadgets or desk toys are a more straightforward approach to workplace stress that provide a momentary distraction. These products are typically tactile, malleable, and involve a soothing, repetitive movement. Human Face Stress Ball [Digital Image]. Retrieved from http://www.shutupandtakemymoney.com/human-face-stress-ball/ Mini Buddha Board [Digital Image]. Retrieved from https://www.themuse.com/advice/18-stressrelieving-toys-thatll-fit-on-your-desk 15 Tabletop Zen Garden [Digital Image]. Retrieved from https://www.amazon.ca/Table-Garden-Incense-Holder-Tabletop/dp/B01CZ4CFCO Kneadable Erasers [Digital Image]. Retrieved from https://www.therapyshoppe.com/category/P2265-kneadable-erasers-classroom-writing-tool-f ocus-fidget-toys While fun, these products are a temporary solution that do not attempt to get closer to the root of workplace stress. 16 Deskercise Exercise has been shown to decrease the body’s reactivity to stress, release endorphins, and improve mood (Primm, 2005). Products currently available that aim to bring the benefits of exercise to the office desk include under-desk ellipticals, chair balance cushions, and treadmill desks. Under-desk ellipticals [Digital Image]. Retrieved from https://mashable.com/2018/03/19/office-desk-exercise-techniques-gear/ Chair balance cushion [Digital Image]. Retrieved from https://mashable.com/2018/03/19/office-desk-exercise-techniques-gear/ 17 Treadmill desk [Digital Image]. Retrieved from https://www.standingdesknation.com/products/lifespan-tr800-dt5-treadmill-desk?variant=153 92600424482 The drawbacks of these types of equipment

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