KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — Smart phones may make it possible to take your office everywhere, but a Western Michigan University professor says constant connectivity to work may be hazardous to your health.
According to a study published in the Journal of Occupational Health and Psychology, on-call workers had higher levels of cortisol — a hormone released during stressful situation.
Dr. Elizabeth Hoger, an associate business information systems professor at WMU, said the pressure is taking its toll.
“The real issue is a lack of reflection and stepping back and saying, ‘OK, what are the upsides of constant connectivity, and what are the downsides?’ Most of us feel that pressure, but its nice to see there’s some biological reinforcement for that pressure,” Hoger said.
Hoger adds that, although it may not be a matter of business policy, stating after-hours interruptions or being on call should be part of a job description.
– John McNeill
