The Silent Rhythm of Workplace Stress

You suddenly feel your heart racing and pounding in your chest. You feel palpitations and irregular heartbeats. You continue to feel short of breath, along with a feeling of weakness and fatigue. These aren’t just symptoms of a stressful day at the office. They could be signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib), a heart condition that new research suggests may be linked to the nature of our work lives.

Take Jay King, an engineer at Abbott who has held key positions for over 16 years. From producing blood vessels to leading special projects in rapid diagnostics, Jay’s career mirrors that of many professionals navigating today’s tough corporate environment. In 2020, he also played a key role in ramping up Abbott’s COVID-19 testing. But despite his active lifestyle, a routine medical check-up led to an unexpected diagnosis: Jay had atrial fibrillation.

New study finds link between workplace and atrial fibrillation

A recent 18-year prospective study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association sheds light on why professionals like Jay are at risk. Led by Canadian researchers, the study, published last week in the Journal of the American Heart Association, found that: Journal of the American Heart Associationinvestigated the relationship between psychosocial stressors in the workplace and the incidence of atrial fibrillation in approximately 6,000 white-collar workers.

The survey results are shocking.

• Workers who experienced high job stress (a combination of high demands and low control) had an 83% increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation.
• People who experience effort-reward imbalance in the workplace (high effort but low recognition or reward) are at 44% higher risk.
• People exposed to both of these stressors had nearly double the risk of atrial fibrillation compared to people with less stress.

But what exactly is atrial fibrillation? Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of arrhythmia, affecting approximately one in four middle-aged adults in their lifetime. During atrial fibrillation, the upper ventricles of the heart beat chaotically and irregularly out of coordination with the lower ventricles. This can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications.

The findings shed light on how the modern workplace is impacting health risks. Long hours, deadline pressure, constant connectivity and a blurred line between work and personal life are characteristics of many white-collar jobs. These factors can create a perfect storm of chronic stress, which can lead to heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation.

Detox Management: A Heart-Healthy Approach

This research highlights the need for what I call “detox management.” It’s no longer just about productivity, it’s about creating a work environment that’s not damaging to your health. Managers and organizational leaders have a key role to play in mitigating these risks.

Although the link between workplace stress and risk of atrial fibrillation is concerning, there are proactive steps that both managers and employees can take to create a healthier work environment. My own heart attack last year sparked a deep curiosity about the relationship between work and heart health. This personal experience, combined with my work in detox management, led me to develop the RISE Framework, which offers guidance that is especially relevant in light of this new research.

1. RelatedManagers need to know their team members as individuals. Understanding each person’s strengths and how they can contribute reduces stress and increases job satisfaction.
2. InspireFoster a sense of purpose in your team’s work. When employees believe their efforts are meaningful, hard work feels rewarding, not exhausting.
3. Keep it simple: Clear expectations and focused priorities can significantly reduce workplace stress. Conflicting demands are often more stressful than the hard work itself.
4. Empower: It gives employees a sense of control over their work. This institution acts as a buffer against the negative effects of job stress.

By implementing these principles, leaders can create a work environment that is not only more productive but also healthier for employees’ hearts.

The impact of this research goes far beyond the individual. It challenges us to rethink our workplace culture and management practices. If we want to succeed in our careers, we must also prioritize creating an environment that supports our health and well-being.

Awareness is the first step. Recognizing the potential impact of workplace stress on our health empowers us to make informed choices, both as individuals managing our careers and as leaders shaping our organizations. The rhythm of work must not come at the expense of the rhythm of our heart. Now is the time to listen closely to what our bodies are telling us about work and create workplaces that truly benefit our health.