Workers Sneeze at Stress

It’s official – stress makes workers sick.

Researchers at the Garvan Institute have discovered how a hormone which is triggered by stress, interrupts the body's immune system.

"During periods of stress, nerves release a lot of NPY (neuropeptide Y) and it gets into the bloodstream, where it inhibits the cells in the immune system that look out for and destroy pathogens - bacteria and viruses - in the body," lead researcher Associate Professor Fabienne Mackay said.

The Garvan Institute warned employers needed to be taking a closer look at stress in the workplace in the wake of the discovery.

"Our research is relevant to everyone because there is no escaping stress - be it in the workplace or at home," neurobiology program chief Associate Professor Herbert Herzog said.

"Employment surveys show many workers feel there is more job-related stress today than even a couple of years ago".

Herzog compared workplace stress to that which professional athletes experience.

"Elite athletes are particularly prone to illness, possibly because of the extreme physical and emotional stressors associated with competition."

Unions NSW safety officer Mary Yaager said companies were losing good staff through stress at work.

"The thing that's causing stress is longer hours, no breaks, people doing the work of two people, bullying and harassment," Yaager said.

"Organisations should really look at procedures and policies to keep staff happy and stress-free."

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Last modified: Thursday, 08-Dec-2005 16:15:28 EST