Trying too hard at work could actually harm your career

Most people inherit the notion that harder work leads to more (and quicker) promotions, resulting in more money and a greater sense of achievement.

Contrary to the assumption that working harder equates to working better, a new study has shown that working too hard consistently will not only negatively impact on your wellbeing, but impact on your career too.

Researchers from City University analysed the effects of intensified working patterns and long hours, the amount of effort put into an individual’s job task against measures of wellbeing (stress, fatigue and job satisfaction), as well as career-related outcomes. Data was collated from more than 500,000 people from over 30 European countries.

From our magazine

Cover Feature | #Workwithme

Researchers revealed that there was a correlation between an increased work intensity and reduced wellbeing and inferior work outcomes in terms of job security and career prospects.