Skip to main content
Clear icon
71º

Working 40 hours a week is bad for our mental health, study shows

You could be doing more harm than good to your body

Most of us have the same routine, we work eight hours a day, five days a week.

But is 40 hours a week too much for our mental wellness?

According to a study from the Australian National University, working 40 hours a week, or more, can be lead to mental health issues.

Whether you stick to working eight-hours a day or work overtime, you could be doing more harm than good to your body.

Researchers found full-time employment can lead to mental health issues, especially when combined with other commitments.

Experts say working damages a person’s mental and physical health, because it leaves less time to eat well and look after ourselves.

Researchers found the average healthy work limit for women is only 34 hours a week. The limit for men is 47-hours.

Experts say women are given extra demands at work, and it is unhealthy for them to work long hours.

So ladies, remember to take time for yourself the next time you find yourself staying late at the office.


About the Authors

Gretchen Nowroozi was born and raised in Houston. She started working at KSAT as an intern in 2019 after graduating from Michigan State University. She is a producer for Good Morning San Antonio.

Alicia Barrera headshot

Alicia Barrera is a KSAT 12 News reporter and anchor. She is also a co-host of the streaming show KSAT News Now. Alicia is a first-generation Mexican-American, fluent in both Spanish and English with a bachelor's degree from Our Lady of the Lake University. She enjoys reading books, traveling solo across Mexico and spending time with family.