LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – A new report from Michigan’s Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) highlights that work is more than just a source of income – it plays a major role in workers’ mental and physical health. The report also underscores the substantial social and economic burdens that chronic workplace stress imposes on employees, employers, and the broader economy.
The report says workplace stress isn’t a personal failure. It’s usually caused by how jobs are set up – things like low pay, long hours, unsafe conditions, job insecurity, and poor management.
Why your job can shape your health – for better or worse.
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People spend about a third of their lives at work, so job conditions affect everything from mental health to heart disease and life expectancy. Good jobs with fair pay, reasonable hours, safety, and having a voice at work are linked to better health. Bad jobs can lead to anxiety, depression, heart disease, diabetes, and burnout.
Long-term stress at work doesn’t just make people tired or grumpy. It actually changes the body and brain. Constant stress messes with hormones and can damage parts of the brain tied to memory, emotions, and decision-making. Over time, this raises the risk of serious health problems and early aging.
Some workers face higher risks than others.
The report also says some workers are hit harder than others. Lower-wage workers, women, younger workers, people with disabilities, and those in physically demanding or unstable jobs are more likely to face unsafe conditions, long hours, and little support.
Ignoring mental health at work is expensive too. Lost productivity, missed work, and healthcare costs add up fast. But employers who improve working conditions often see benefits like lower turnover and better performance.
The bottom line: workplace stress isn’t something employees can fix on their own. The report says real change comes from fixing the job itself – pay, hours, safety, and management. Healthier workplaces don’t just help workers feel better; they also reduce costs and make economic sense for employers and the state.
