TOO much work and too much wine go together like biscuits and cheese, a new international study finds.
EMPLOYEES who work more than 48 hours a week are 11 per cent more likely to over consume alcohol than those who work a standard week, Finnish researchers say.
The study looked at more than 300,000 people in Australia, Europe and North America. No differences were seen between men and women, says the study, published in the British Medical Journal. Risky alcohol consumption is considered as more than 14 drinks a week for women and more than 21 drinks a week for men. About 20 per cent of Australians drink at levels that put them at risk of lifetime harm from injury or disease. Drinking alcohol can affect the liver or cause brain damage, heart disease, high blood pressure and increases the risk of many cancers. Study author Marianna Virtanen said while alcohol might help ease the stress of working long periods of time, risky consumption could lead to difficulties in the workplace, such as poor performance. The European Union Working Time Directive ensures that workers in EU countries have the right to work no more than 48 hours a week, including overtime. “But many people, for example well-educated managers and professionals, work much longer hours to achieve faster promotions, salary increases, and more control over work and employment,” said Prof Virtanen, of the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health. In Australia, it’s recommended that healthy men and women drink no more than two standard drinks a day. Separately, as employees return to work, mental health awareness organisation beyondblue is reminding people to be mindful of their mental health. “It is natural to feel a bit down when returning to work but if you are experiencing those feelings for more than two weeks you should seek help,” said beyondblue CEO Georgie Harman. The organisation also wants employers to make mental health at work a priority this year. “Simple measures such as speaking openly about mental health in the workplace, making information about support available, and checking with workers who may be struggling, could make 2015 a better year for both employees and businesses,” beyondblue said.