A recent study published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine indicates that working more than 52 hours per week can adversely affect emotional stability and cognitive efficiency. Previous research confirms the link between overwork and increased stress and anxiety, yet this study reveals physical brain changes among those exceeding 52 hoursâspecifically, increased brain volume in areas linked to cognitive skills and emotional regulation. While short-term gains may be noted, long-term consequences could detract from executive functioning. The study highlights the regulatory context of work hours in South Korea and contrasts it with UK laws allowing 48 hours over an average period.
A new study suggests those working more than 52 hours could suffer effects including emotional instability or reduced cognitive efficiency in the longer term.
The more I work, the smarter and more emotionally regulated I get. That could be happening in the short term, but other studies have shown such increases in grey matter can have a negative impact on executive function.
In the UK it's illegal to make someone work more than 48 hours per week. Not just illegal, but almost impossible.
The study examined the brains of healthcare workers in South Korea, where the Korean Labour Standards Act identifies 52 hours a week as the critical threshold for increased health risk.
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