Can working too much overtime kill you?
You’ve heard it, and I’ve heard it.
How many times has someone shuffled in the door late at night, slumped on the couch and sighed to you, “Ugh, this job is gonna kill me”?
It happens, and you laugh. And they laugh. Only, then something like this happens, and suddenly everyone’s not so amused anymore.
Last week, the 2007 passing of a McDonald’s Japan store manager was ruled a case of “karoshi” – literally, death by overwork.
The woman, 41, died from a brain haemorrhage after reportedly putting in more than 80 hours of overtime in each of the six months before her death.
She collapsed at a training program just outside Tokyo.
“We determined her work caused the illness,” an official at the local Japanese Labour Bureau said.
“She had early symptoms such as headaches some three weeks before she collapsed, and we presume she already had the illness at that point.”
Now, you might be asking yourself how this could happen. I did the same thing.
But apparently, Japan’s labour laws don’t obligate companies to pay overtime to workers in managerial positions.
(This was a source of embarrassment for McDonald’s Japan in 2008 too, when a court forced it to pay $70,000 USD to an employee for several years’ worth of unpaid OT.)
So, the question begs to be asked: is this a problem for Japan, or is this a problem for everyone?
No doubt North American managers are worked to the bone too, but since they are often compensated appropriately, does it change the dynamic to an employee’s health?
Is 80 hours of OT a month different just outside Tokyo than it is, say, just outside Toronto?
By Jason Buckland, MSN Money
Posted by: john mccormick | Nov 9, 2021 8:44:24 AM
o.t. sucks. peroid. especially unpaid o.t. and at the expense of YOUR time for someone else's or companies' agenda. i know, 20 yrs in manufacturing, lots of 60-80 hr work weeks as a skilled tradesman with the "BIG PLAN" in mind. lots of cash, retire somewhat young.....blah, blah blah....aint' happening. now i am unemployed, going on 2 yrs, and, thankfully, back in school to expand my skills. but, lots of time to reflect on what the past now shows me. i dont' like what i see. things will change. i will make my time more valuable to me. butted too many heads for so much stress....i take control this time. :)
Posted by: boomgoeste dynamite | Nov 10, 2021 7:59:28 PM
I agree with redneck, quit complaining everyone.
If you have an option, take it - stand up for yourself, don't work the unpaid OT, just don't complain when you face the consequences. (lack of promotions, layoffs, etc) This is a rat race, if you want to win you have to do what the others aren't williing to. Many say they feel forced to do it, can't find other work. Of course you can, it just might not pay as much. Everything has a consequence, complaining wastes everyones time. No one wants to hear it. As my grandmother alwasys said ...so shit or get off the pot.
Posted by: GERARD | Nov 11, 2021 1:11:52 PM
eliminate Sunday shopping .
Get the family structure back in line.
Family dinners ,know what your kids are doing .
Do you see the big corporation leaders such as Wallmart
working Sundays or are they spending time with thier
families .
Do you not think that the employees deserve the same ?
I certainly do
Posted by: ahummerz | Nov 11, 2021 5:41:39 PM
But the Boss will say if you don't like it take the door and slam it shut behind you I have a few good people that will do the job. Its your choise but like Guy said where's your values ???????
Posted by: charlesbrooks | Jan 3, 2022 11:41:48 PM
Small Business owners are largely forgotten. Thats why I only focus on them. I have experience several members of my family file bankruptcy due to small business failures. I also I suffered through 2 destroyed businesses due to failure however, in my failings I have learned some of the secrets to success. (Who can say they know it all?)
www.onlineuniversalwork.com