In this article, The Medical Experts @ The Health Standard, share their expert insights on the findings and provide West Virginia residents with evidence-based recommendations for protecting their health.
Healthy Insights: This content is part of a 3-day series on workplace burnout and mental health. We're delivering this series in bite-sized insights from top health experts to maximize your understanding.
Be notified: Use this form to be notified when part three is posted.
Why This Matters to You
In our previous article about workspace stress and employee burn out, we looked at some key findings. As you know, in today's fast-paced work environment, burnout has become an increasingly important issue affecting employees across America, including right here in Kanawha County.
A recent study from the University of Michigan sheds light on a simple yet effective strategy to combat this growing concern: moderate exercise.
Doctors' Expert Insights: The impact of job stress goes beyond just the workplace.
Economy impact: "Healthier and productive employees contribute to a nation's economy. We should consider burnout, fatigue, and sadness in our workers as a loss to our economy." Dr. Jagdish Khubchandani, a Public Health expert.
Self care can be better than certain medicines: "Burnout increases the risk of depression, and depressed work isn't your best work. Moderate exercise, like walking and dancing, is helpful compared to even first-line medicines for depression, and this data suggests it can prevent burnout too." Owen Scott Muir, M.D., DFAACAP, Child and Adult Psychiatry.
A reframing is required: "As a physician, I've seen firsthand how workplace burnout can take a toll on both physical and mental health. This new study shows that even moderate exercise can make a big difference in reducing exhaustion and boosting our sense of accomplishment at work.
But here's the thing--it's not just about hitting the gym. It's about creating a culture of well-being in the workplace. That means employers in Kanawha County need to step up and provide resources for both physical activity and mental health support. And as individuals, we need to prioritize self-care, whether that's taking a brisk walk during lunch or reaching out for help when we're struggling.
The bottom line is this: our physical and mental health are interconnected, and we can't afford to neglect either one. So let's start small, be consistent, and work together to build a healthier, more resilient workforce. Your well-being matters, and it's time we all made it a priority." Dr. Puja Uppal, DO, Family Medicine.
Healthy Insights: This content is part of a 3-day series on workplace burnout and mental health.
We're delivering this series in bite-sized insights from top health experts to maximize your understanding.
Be notified: Use this form to be notified when part three is posted.
Read More: Rising Disability in the Workplace due to Brain Fog. Doctor Explains
Read More: Healthy Workforce/Healthy Economy
The Science Behind Exercise and Workplace Burnout
Study Overview
- Title: "The Relationship Between Employee Physical Activity Intensity and Workplace Burnout: A Cross-sectional Study."
- Authors: Brandon Albedry, Michele W. Marenus, Weiyun Chen.
- Published: JOEM Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. (Visit Here)
Methodology
- Participants: 520 full-time employees.
- Study Analysis:
- Physical Activity: International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).
- Burnout: Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI).
- Analysis: One-way ANOVA to compare burnout scores across three physical activity levels.
Key Findings
- Emotional Exhaustion
- Significant difference among the groups that did more physical activity versus those that did little.
- Surprisingly, the moderate PA group scored lower than low PA group.
- Personal Accomplishment
- Significant difference among PA groups.
- Low PA group scored lower than both high PA groups.
- Depersonalization
- No significant difference among PA groups (F(2,516) = 0.33, P = 0.72)
Scientific Implications
- Moderate Exercise Benefits
- Equally effective as high-intensity exercise in reducing burnout symptoms.
- Suggests a "sweet spot" for physical activity in burnout prevention.
- Personal Accomplishment
- Both moderate and high levels of PA associated with higher sense of achievement
- Indicates potential cognitive and emotional benefits of regular exercise
- Depersonalization Unaffected
- Suggests other factors (e.g., workplace culture, coping mechanisms) may influence this aspect of burnout.
- Potential Mechanisms
- Exercise may reduce stress hormones and increase endorphins.
- Regular PA could improve sleep quality and overall well-being.
- Mental health resiliency increases with routine exercise.
Limitations and Future Directions
- Cross-sectional design limits causal inferences.
- Self-reported measures may introduce bias.
- Need to determine how employer interventions may help improve workplace balance.
Key Health and Medical Statistics of Kanawha County, West Virginia
Did you know there were 375 deaths from suicide in West Virginia in 2021?
10.8% of you in Kanawha County lack health insurance.
19.5% of you in Kanawha County report that your mental health is not good.
39.7% of you in Kanawha County are sleeping less than 7 hours per night.
29.4% of you in Kanawha County have depression.
Health Facts That Matter. The health data above directly impact your physical well-being and are crucial in determining your overall health outcomes.
The Health Standard Newswire.
