Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, is a densely populated city with a fast pace of life, congested roads, and a disorganized urban infrastructure. The city is one of the world's densest with about 21 million residents.
The city presents both advantages and disadvantages for its inhabitants. It offers many jobs and financial opportunities. However, a lack of work-life balance is a challenge for the city's dwellers. In particular, private sector occupations in the city have long working hours, which affects employees' physical and emotional health.
According to a study carried out by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the mean weekly working hours in Bangladesh amount to 48.8, exceeding the worldwide average of 42.9 hours. According to a Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) report, over 50% of private sector workers in Dhaka work over 48 hours per week, and nearly 30% work over 60 hours.
Over 70% of those who participated said their workload was heavy or very heavy. Nearly 60% of respondents also claimed a lack of work autonomy.
Since ILO enacted the 8-hour workweek in 1919, the average workday has decreased worldwide. The 2021 WHO/ILO joint estimates show that the percentage of people working excessively has been rising since 2000.
According to the same survey, 488 million people worldwide work long hours, causing health problems. Working above 55 hours per week caused about 745,000 heart disease and stroke deaths in 2016.
In the Western Pacific and Southeast Asia, such as Bangladesh, the increasing trend is frequent. The health implications of extended working hours are contingent upon several factors, including the duration of the workday, occupational attributes, socioeconomic standing, and the individual's health status.
As per a recent 2021 paper in The Lancet, prolonged periods of work beyond standard hours have been found to elevate the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and musculoskeletal dysfunctions while also negatively impacting one's mental health. And according to a research article published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, extended periods of work were linked to a 40% elevation in the likelihood of acquiring coronary heart disease.
The physical and psychological burden experienced by overworked individuals may manifest in various acute physiological reactions, including fatigue, stress, disrupted sleep patterns, and unhealthy lifestyle modifications as a coping mechanism.
Overwork reduces work effectiveness and productivity due to absenteeism caused by illness and workplace accidents.
The mental side
Extended working hours may adversely affect mental health, especially in private-sector jobs. The private sector is often linked with high stress, rigorous work demand, and a lack of work-life balance.
Prolonged exposure to such stressors can result in persistent stress, exhaustion, and psychological disorders. Extensive documentation exists regarding the effects of urban living and inadequate work-life balance on mental health.
The National Institute of Mental Health has reported that chronic stress has the potential to cause a range of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Work-life imbalance may also impair personal and social relationships. According to a UNDP study, extended working hours can negatively impact family relationships, socialization, and cause isolation.
Dhaka's private sector workers' mental health is also affected by job uncertainty. Private sector workers are at high risk of losing their jobs due to the ongoing global crisis. Workers experience anxiety and have mental health issues due to the current situation's uncertainty and uneasiness.
To improve living in Dhaka and promote work-life balance, the government, private sector, and civil society need to collaborate.
Dhaka's private sector urban workers may benefit from flexible work schedules and telecommuting. Giving employees more control over their work schedules and environments helps reduce the negative effects of long hours and difficult workloads.
This can improve work-life balance and reduce work-related health problems. Flexible working arrangements can help employees balance professional and personal obligations, reducing burnout and stress-related illnesses.
Working remotely may also reduce the time and effort spent commuting, minimizing the risk of exposure to transportation-related pollution and hazards. Studies show that flexible work arrangements can boost productivity as autonomy and control over work motivate and engage employees.
Through the implementation of adaptable work arrangements, employers have the potential to enhance the physical and mental welfare of their staff, while simultaneously capitalizing on the advantages of a more efficient and committed workforce.
Dr Md Shamim Hayder Talukder is CEO, Eminence Associates for Social Development. Fatima Tuz Zahra is Research Assistant,Eminence Associates for Social Development.
