Impact of working more than eight hours on health

In Ghana, the average working hours are typically 40 hours per week, which translates to eight hours a day for five days. 

However, the reality for many workers often involves extended workdays, with some employees regularly working more than eight hours. 

There are physical health consequences of long working hours, with implications for both the physical and mental health of Ghanaians, contributing to a range of health problems and affecting productivity, family dynamics and overall quality of life.

Effects

Working beyond eight hours a day can have significant negative effects on worker's physical health. Prolonged working hours often lead to sedentary behaviour, particularly in office-based jobs, which are becoming common in Ghana’s growing urban centres, such as, Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi. 

The long hours spent sitting in front of a computer or engaging in other desk-bound tasks contribute to various health issues, including: 
(a) Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). Prolonged sitting and poor ergonomic setup can lead to back, neck and shoulder pain. These musculoskeletal problems are a significant concern for workers in Ghana and across many sectors.

(b) Obesity, cardiovascular diseases brought on by extended working hours tend to reduce hours for exercises and healthy meal preparation. 
The increase in sedentary behaviour, coupled with poor dietary habits due to time constraints, can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of chronic conditions such as obesity, hypertension and heart diseases; research has shown that working long hours, particularly over 10 hours a day can increase the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases, including strokes and heart attacks. 

(c) There is also the mental health impact a significant consequences of working long hours. In Ghana, as in many parts of the world, workers often face increased stress levels due to longer working days. 

(d) With gender-specific effects, in Ghana like many African countries, gender roles often place heavier domestic burdens on women. While many women work full-time in the formal or informal economy, they are also expected to manage household chores and child-rearing responsibilities. 

For women working more than eight hours a day, this double shift can lead to significant health consequences; physical exhaustion, mental health strain and increased risk of Non-Communicable Diseases (NDCs).

(e) Economic, productivity costs: while it might seem that longer working hours would lead to higher productivity, the opposite is often true. 

Studies

Studies suggest that productivity tends to decrease after a certain number of hours worked in a day. For Ghana, where the workforce is critical to the economy, long working hours may result in diminishing returns, particularly in sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing. 

Employees who are fatigued, stressed or suffering from health problems are less likely to perform optimally, ultimately hurting the country’s economic output.

Additionally, prolonged working hours can lead to higher absenteeism, as workers take time off to recover from stress, illness or physical injury. This can create a cycle where workers are less effective at their jobs, leading to further overwork and health complications.

Government regulation, workplace solutions; in Ghana, the Labour Law 2003 (Act 651) sets guidelines for working hours, stimulating that employees should work not more than 40 hours per week. 

However, there is limited enforcement, especially in formal sectors, where many workers often face irregular working hours. 

There is a growing need for better enforcement of these regulations and the introduction of policies aimed at reducing excessive work hours.

Employers should adopt policies that prioritise well-being, including flexible working hours, paid leave and mental health support, with exercise incentives and access to counselling services to help mitigate the negative health impacts of long working hours.

The writer is a medical/science communicator.
E-mail: mustysallama@gmail.com