Bad bosses blamed for employee bad hearts

William Atkins
Tuesday, 25 November 2008 23:05

Science - Health

A Swedish study has found that male employees having to contend with overbearing, incompetent bosses are at increased risk from cardiovascular-related problems like heart attacks, and their risk increases as the badness of their bosses increase.


The November 25, 2008 online article that summarizes their research appears in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine (OEM).

The lead researcher in the study is Swedish psychologist Anna Nyberg, who is associated with the Department of Public Health Services, at Karolinska Institute, and the Stress Research Institute, at Stockholm University.

This study is considered the first research study to directly associate differing management (employer) styles and worker (employee) heart health, and to establish such a link in the short-and long-term.

Dr. Nyberg states, "This study is the first to provide evidence of a prospective, dose-response relationship between concrete managerial behaviors and objectively assessed heart disease among employees.” [U.S. News and World Report: “Bad Bosses Are Hard on Heart”]

She adds, "Enhancing managers' skills -- regarding providing employees with information, support, power in relation to responsibilities, clarity in expectations, and feedback -- could have important stress-reducing effects on employees and enhance the health at workplaces.” [U.S. News and World Report]

In the Nyberg-led paper, the researchers stated that good bosses are considerate of their employees, but still set clear goals and expectations.

They are active when dealing with their employees. Employers also communicate effectively with their employees, providing feedback when necessary, and include their employees in decisions that affect their duties. They also delegate authority to their employees.

However, what about those bad bosses. Please read on.