Techies think work is bad for their health

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The majority of tech workers think that the work they're paid to do is actually making them ill.

So claims The IT Job Board, whose latest research shows that 93 per cent of those in the industry believe their health is being negatively impacted by work.

More than half (57 per cent) of those surveyed also claim that things have got worse since the recession started.

As to how exactly work is affecting their health, many said it meant they had less time for exercise, with others saying that it affected their social lives or appetites

Indeed, just over half (52 per cent) said they no longer exercise due to their jobs, which concurs with a survey published last week that said IT professionals are the least likely workers to exercise.

Absenteeism is also rife as a result, with 57 per cent of workers saying illness is the reason they ditch work. Indeed, 12.2 per cent of those surveyed have taken 10 or more sick days in the last year, which is almost double the same figure (6.7 per cent) the year before.

“The IT work environment can be fast-paced and stressful, and this is clearly having an impact on the workforce. Many believe this has increased significantly since the start of the recession, and this is reflected in the increase in sick days over the last year," said Jamie Bowler, head of marketing at The IT Job Board, in a statement.

“Employers should put more emphasis on creating a work environment that takes into consideration the health of its employees.”

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