Hate Your Job? Here’s How Your Toxic Job Impacts Your Health

Do you hate your job? You're probably not alone. It seems to be a common theme these days, and one that I often hear my friends talking about. And besides just making you miserable (and sucking the enjoyment out of your life), your toxic job impacts your health.

Research from Medical News Today suggests that job dissatisfaction can directly result in negative health effects by the age of 40. Most of us aren't in our dream jobs for a variety of reasons. But even if you don't have your absolute dream job, you still should be in a role that doesn't destroy your mental and physical health. One that makes you feel valued, respected, and appreciated.

Unfortunately according to data provided to us by our friends at JobLeads.com 93% of Americans feel trapped in unfulfilling careers. They also note a 110% spike in searches for phrases like “I hate my job so much” over the past months.

We've told you that your toxic job impacts your health but let's dive deeper. What are the biggest health risks that come from being miserable at your job? And better yet how can you work to combat them?

The experts at job search and career coaching platform JobLeads teamed up with Maria-Teresa Daher-Cusack who is a Clinical Development Consultant at Health Assured in an effort to help educate on the key health red flags to watch for in an unhappy workplace.

Cusack says that "ongoing dissatisfaction" with your place of work can lead to "persistent stress and anxiety". This can be expressed as the persistent tensing of muscles. This constant stress on your muscles is similar to a continuous workout which can lead to sore muscles and body aches. Plus having your muscles and body in this prolonged state of stress can increase your heart rate and weaken your immune system.

This one probably doesn't come as much of a surprise. Who among us hasn't stayed up at night worrying over something? Perhaps that meeting, a conversation you don't want to have, or wondering how you are going to get it all done. Additionally, stress and overthinking can make it difficult to unwind after the day.

Restful sleep is necessary for cognitive function and emotional regulation, and a lack of good sleep can heighten feelings of stress as well as anxiety and depression.

Without removing the source of the stress, Cusack suggests creating a calming bedtime routine, reducing screen time before bed, and practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing for a more restful night's sleep.

Working in a toxic environment can also negatively impact an individual's self-esteem. Victims of these types of jobs often experience doubts about their value and abilities, and this directly contributes to mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

This vicious cycle can make it difficult to look for another job and get out of the toxic job. While still in the situation it is imperative to surround yourself with friends and family who support you, reinforce your self-worth, and provide that positive affirmation your workplace isn't.

Cusack says that "feeling trapped in stressful or unfulfilling jobs can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as alcohol use and binge eating". She stresses that while they may provide a temporary high or relief there can be long-term health risks associated with the behaviors. This can include cardiovascular disease and liver damage. 

Instead, she recommends taking time to engage in physical activity and or mindfulness. Instead of going home after work and isolating yourself, use the time to connect with friends in the evening or join a club that encourages your particular interests.

It's also important to note that you need to address the route cause- that your toxic job impacts your health. And if the situation is truly detrimental you can't and won't change it. You need to take the steps to move on and up.

JobLeads.com also provided us with 5 steps to finding a fulfilling career.

Thanks to our friends at JobLeads.com for sharing their research with us. You can learn more here.

What do your employees actually want from their employer? I'm so glad you asked! And no it's not pizza or donuts or a Yeti tumbler with the company logo. Those are nice but so far down the totem pole when it comes to keeping your employees happy. There must have been something in the air yesterday. I was sent an email regarding tips for employee happiness and also came across some Instagram posts that got me thinking.

Take one more moment and read that again. The more I think about it, the more true I find it. The disconnect between employees and employers. I don't doubt that many employers are not intentionally making their employees feel undervalued and unimportant. But that doesn't mean that those employees don't feel that way. Nor does it invalidate their feelings. You don't need negative intent to make people feel bad. I've worked for some incredible bosses in my life who honestly made me want to run through a brick wall do to anything and everything help them. And I've worked for some not-so-great ones as well. I've also worked for some who I thought were incredible but eventually the "act" ended and the truth was revealed. But that's not what I'm here to talk about. Instead, I'm here to help. To spell out the problem and offer ideas as to how to overcome it.

This brings me to an email that included research shared with me by our friends at Deputy and Voice Nation. According to data 1 in 6 Americans reported that they would be happier with their job if they had a different manager. For anyone who runs a business, there is no question that the goal is for it to be successful and profitable. And the best (and in my opinion ONLY) way to achieve this is through happy and productive employees. When employees feel valued you have less turnover and they are willing to work harder for you. It's the people on the bottom that keep businesses afloat- Amazon couldn't function without delivery drivers and warehouse workers. But I bet it would survive without Jeff Bezos.

So I promised you ways to keep your employees happy, engaged, and productive. Here you go:

This is such a big one. Everyone wants to feel heard, and when employers are making decisions with no regards to the people who have to execute those decisions? Well, it's not going to be as successful as it could potentially be. You don't have to take every suggestion. But letting people know they have a right to an opinion, and that they are heard- it can do wonders for morale. The last thing employees want is to feel like a worker bee whom no one in ownership or management respects. Who better to help figure out how to make things run smoother and more productive than those doing the actual work? And you can't solve a problem that you don't know exists.

Check-in with your employees. Performance reviews done correctly can have an immense benefit to both employers and employees. It can increase morale by giving you an easy platform to praise what an employee is contributing. And also identify areas that need improvement and how to best implement strategies to help the employee with that.  Plus when employees see that they are valued it can go a long way in increasing productivity and long-term success. Frequent reviews can also allow employers to identify any issues within a team and take action to correct those issues. 

Most employees don't want to feel stagnant in a role. If there is no room for growth and development tasks become mundane and in turn, good employees can and will look elsewhere. Training can benefit the employer as well. Think of it as an investment. You have to spend money to make money. It's also another way to show your employees that you value them and care about them and their careers.
 

 This is such a big one. I know for me personally I will go go go, but I will also burn out fast. I need that time to recharge. And especially after covid workers are demanding a work-life balance. Like it or not in order to maintain a valuable workforce, employers are going to have to comply. Whether it’s a flexible work schedule, days off, or encouraging physical fitness or mental health. A good work-life balance ensures productive and motivated employees. What employer does not want their employees to be less stressed? 

I've worked hard to make my office an oasis. Mood lighting, a stand-up desk, a walking pad treadmill, and decor that is "me". Many people will still be more in favor of working from home (not a topic I want to get into at this point) or at least a hybrid work situation. A welcoming environment can make employees feel at home positively impacting and company culture. 

And in this economy the one thing your employees want? It's money. It's not pizza or a pullover with your logo on it. It's to be paid a living wage. It's yearly raises that outpace inflation. It's the best way to show your employees their value. The people who pull the most weight in any given company are almost always the lowest compensated. Mangers have an important job no question. But when you neglect to fairly compensate the others? You cannot and will not be successful long term. So invest in your people. You want them to work hard for you? Pay your employees their worth.

If you aren't willing to work hard, why would your employees? Be visible and don't let any job be beneath you. Spend time working directly with your employees, or perhaps offer to help with something. Being willing to help speaks volumes. And noticing when that help may be needed. It makes your employees feel seen. If all you are doing is delegating, there is a good chance that will be noticed. And it's hard to respect a manager who has no problem throwing work at people but refuses to do the work themselves.

Culture starts from the top down. So be the change, and implement a culture of encouragement, productivity, and pride in your job. Thanks to Voice Nation for sharing some of these tips with us!