Why Dilbert Will Have a Heart Attack
Posted by editor at 6:52 pm in workplace notes

Here’s the results of a particularly damning study of the effect of your boss on your work:

Swedish researchers report today that workers saddled for four years with managers who were inconsiderate, opaque, uncommunicative, and poor advocates were about 60 percent more likely to suffer a heart attack or other life-threatening cardiac condition. By contrast, employees whose managers exhibited robust leadership skills were roughly 40 percent less likely to suffer heart emergencies.

And the boss effect appeared to trump other considerations, including workload and whether the employee smoked, exercised, or had weight problems, researchers found.

My thoughts:

1. 60% more likely to suffer a heart attack! My lord!

2. I bet that the “opaque” and “uncommunicative” boss behavior raises levels of adrenaline (the article mentions this), which makes for all sorts of stress. Remember that if you’re a boss!

Your thoughts?

Why Dilbert Will Have a Heart Attack has 4 Comments

  1. does tachyardia count?

    my boss has given me hell over the past month

    my blood pressure is up and I’m having tachyardia episodes (fast heart beat)

    i agree with this article 200%

  2. If only more companies would read this article.

  3. I think tachyardia does count! Take care of yourself.

  4. Oh man, this ring a bell for me. I have printed out a copy of this and distributed this to my co-workers… Now I sit back and watch the mutiny. :)

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