A dirty workplace does this to your brain...

A lack of stimulation in the workplace accompanied by a dirty working environment can contribute to mental decline in employees, according to a new report.

The study, conducted by Florida State University in America - who analysed 4,963 adults - found that an unclean workplace and exposure to mould, lead or loud noises can take a toll on staff.

Joseph Grzywacz, the Norejane Hendrickson Professor of Family and Child Sciences and lead researcher on the study, explained the report to Science Daily: “There are real things in the workplace that can shape cognitive function: some that you can see or touch, and others you can't. We showed that both matter to cognitive health in adulthood.”

The report also found that that greater the occupational complexity, or the more an employee learns new skills or takes on new challenges, the stronger their cognitive prowess. This is especially true in female workers.