Health ‘hit by a toxic workplace’

RESEARCH has identified “toxic work places” as a cause of higher levels of mental health problems.

Analysis of 4,596 workers revealed symptoms of paranoia and other mental health problems were at their worst among workers in low-ranking jobs, in terms of income and job role.

Psychologists found those who worked in hierarchical workplaces without any supervisory or managerial responsibilities were suffering the most.

Some workers showed signs of paranoid personality disorder – having unjustified doubts about the loyalty of others, bearing grudges and feeling persecuted by powerful others – and avoidant personality disorder, in which they evaded interpersonal contact and felt inadequate socially.

Researchers from De Montfort University took part in the study.

They found 19 per cent of workers had signs of depression, 15 per cent had thought about suicide, 10 per cent felt paranoid, 7 per cent had a psychotic or personality disorder and 4 per cent have had hallucinations.

The lower a person’s income, the worse their chances of good mental and physical health.

Those in non-managerial jobs felt less power over their workload and were at greater risk of uncontrollable job stressors such as stringent working conditions, job insecurity, poor pay or poor promotion prospects.

It was found 3 per cent of workers had been diagnosed with a mental illness. Depression was the most common mental illness, followed by anxiety, panic attacks, anorexia/ bulimia and obsessive-compulsive disorders.

Even among those who had not been diagnosed, many suffered mental health symptoms, including 38 per cent being irritable, 34 per fatigued, 19 per cent with symptoms of depression, 18 per cent with anxiety, 17 per cent with poor memory, 12 per cent with a phobia and seven per cent with obsessions.

The psychologists warned symptoms could develop into psychosis and other serious mental disorders if workers were exposed to acute stress.

Professor Rusi Jaspal, of De Montfort University, said: “This research should encourage self-reflection among leaders. They should reflect on their own behaviour and engagement with employees and ask themselves whether or not this has the potential to compromise the mental health and well-being of employees.”

Dr Bárbara Lopes said: “Most companies do not have appropriate mental health support for workers.

“Many workers lack a voice against bullying managers, leading to workers developing paranoid and avoidant strategies to cope.

“We believe is vital companies recognise they are ethically responsible for the mental and physical well-being of workers.

“We also advise that NHS mental health services take into consideration the impact of workplace problems on mental health.”