Karoshi is a term that means death from overwork. In the current situation, when an employer may have 10 jobseekers per position in the company, efficiency and dedication in the profession that is performed is very important. However, too many working hours combined with the lack of time to rest lead to the feeling of overwork and professional burnout, and sometimes even to karoshi. In order not to lead to death from overwork, check how to recognize them at the first symptoms and find out what its effects are - these are even less drastic than karoshi.

Karoshiis the term for death from overwork. This medical term arose from the need to describe a phenomenon that originated in Japan. It recorded the first case of a man who died by spending too many hours at work in a week. His profession was associated with stress and pressure. The man was employed in the mail order sector in one of the largest newspapers in Japan, and he died while working overtime. The family of a 29-year-old man received high compensation from the company employing him, because after a few years the doctors proved that the direct cause of death was too much work under unfavorable conditions. This is not the only case of karoshi in that area. The death of a woman working in the control department of one of the most popular car companies in the world was also very loud. The immediate cause of death was myocardial infarction. It happened during the overtime hours that the woman was constantly urged to do.

The fight with karoshi started, incl. the Japanese government by introducing a law forcing the Japanese to use all their holidays, i.e. currently 18.5 working days a year.

It is estimated that since 1969 in Japan as a result of overworking every year, up to 10,000 people die. Statistically, it is the number of inhabitants of a small city in Poland. Therefore, companies caring for employees implement measures to prevent this phenomenon, such as free coffee breaks, access to a masseur during working hours, or a sports card.

In a more delicate form, karoshi is also found in Europe. The dedication and effort put intothe profession seems to be admirable on a daily basis. However, only if it does not reach the monstrous size and signs of employee abuse. It is worth remembering, however, that absorbed in another project or task imposed by the employer, we may not be aware of the problem of workaholism, and what is worse, we unconsciously ignore the symptoms of overwork and deterioration in he alth.

Karoshi in Poland

Karoshi in Poland is a phenomenon that no one has confirmed formally or scientifically. Unfortunately, you hear more and more often about people who have had a heart attack or a stroke at work. About people who overwork or are exploited by employers. Karoshi does not always have to refer only to a tragic death. It can also describe cardiovascular he alth problems such as heart attack, stroke, stroke, high blood pressure, heart failure, or atherosclerosis.

On the other hand, there were a few cases that were widely echoed in the media, because they related to the death of people who worked for many hours / had several shifts without rest breaks. For example:

  • in 2011 in Głubczyce, a 52-year-old anaesthesiologist died during a 120-hour shift;
  • In August 2016, an anaesthesiologist from Białogród died at work during a 96-hour shift.

These are just a few publicized examples. The direct cause of these deaths did not have to be the shocking number of hours spent at work, but it certainly contributed to a significant deterioration of their he alth or even death in particular.

Karoshi - how to prevent?

When you notice the first symptoms of overwork, you should draw a clear line between your private and professional life. Unfortunately, in the case of very busy people it is not the easiest thing to do, because they often feel somehow obliged to be at the boss's every nod, because they are afraid of possible dismissal. Meanwhile, it is worth trying to calmly talk on this topic, explaining that an effective employee is an employee who does not work continuously - he has time for his private life and leisure, invaluable for creativity, after which he returns with more energy and lots of ideas.

It is also worth that a person close to overwork learn to rest effectively - stop thinking about work even on days off and focus on relaxing in nature, returning to a long-forgotten hobby, going to the cinema with family or, for example, cooking together with her meal.

If you have problems with this, do not hesitate to seek the help of a psychotherapist - perhaps you are ashamedtalk about your problems, but think that thanks to this you will help yourself and gain a lot in return for a moment of discomfort that will pass after the first moments in the office. If you do not have enough funds to be able to take advantage of a private visit, you can consult a psychologist under the National He alth Fund.

The family of an overworked person is most often accompanied by a feeling of powerlessness. However, it is worth counteracting such situations in advance. At the moment when the first symptoms of workaholism are noticeable, they need to be de alt with at the basics. In such cases, it is essential to make the person with this type of problem aware of what the real situation is. If she understands the message and begins to implement changes in her life, most likely the negative effects of physical and emotional exhaustion will not permanently affect her he alth. Therefore, interference by third parties is very important from the very beginning. So the most important thing is to notice in yourself or in a loved one the first symptoms of overwork.

How to stay he althy at work?

Overwork - symptoms

The symptoms of overwork most often affect people who hold well-paid but highly stressed positions. The negative effects of too many hours spent on work become apparent only after living in such a mode for a long time. Moreover, the subconscious mind displaces the negative effects of its actions from the workaholic's thoughts. Such a person deceives himself by claiming that he only derives benefits from his work. This mainly affects people who have achieved a lot in life, but previously had low self-esteem, were shy and unsure of their value, and in the face of professional success and the feeling of being appreciated, they will sacrifice a lot not to lose it.

Worse situation is experienced by those working in weak positions, but not being able to afford to lose their job, because they would lose money to support themselves and their families. Employers who are aware of this situation, often in large companies, instead of trying to help solve the situation in favor of the employee, burden him with additional duties, liquidating subsequent related positions with a view to saving money. Such a process leads to a quick burnout of people at lower levels, and in the long-term, to a significant reduction in the effectiveness of their work. They do not feel fulfilled in connection with their profession, but often: they work overtime, take the excess work duties home, do not have time for social contacts, neglect their family and household chores, do not have time for physical activity or hobby development, do not use also from due to themholidays.

Consequences of overworking

The effects of overworking include :

  • extreme emotional and physical exhaustion;
  • disturbed concentration;
  • unexpected fainting, dizziness, fainting;
  • insomnia, restless sleep;
  • heart attack;
  • heart stroke;
  • neurosis;
  • anxiety states;
  • stomach ulcers.

It is worth paying attention to them and helping yourself or someone close to you before one of you works to death.

Worth knowing

Karo-jisatsumeans suicide from overwork. This is a phenomenon directly related to karoshi. This death results from the excessive mental burden resulting from professional duties and the stress associated with them. It is estimated that about 1/3 of suicides in Japan are related to work, e.g. conflicts with other employees or superiors, insecurity of their job, excessive amount of duties disproportionate to remuneration, etc.

Category:

Psychology