Work-Life Balance Can Reduce Cardiovascular Risk: Harvard Study

 

Work-life balance has been shown to lower cardiovascular risk in a recent study conducted by a group of researchers from Pennsylvania State University and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

In an effort to improve work-life balance, 1,528 employees participated in a workplace experiment. According to the research, some employees may have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease if their workplace is flexible enough.

The workplace experiment involved two businesses: a long-term care home with 973 employees and an IT company with 555 employees.

All participating employees’ blood pressure, body mass index, glycated hemoglobin, smoking habits, HDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol were tested as part of the study. The investigators ran similar tests once more a year later. Upon completion of the study, the researchers discovered that for some workers, a work-life balance lowered their risk of cardiovascular disease.

“The study illustrates how working conditions are important social determinants of health,” stated Lisa Berkman, co-lead author of the research.