Staying Healthy After a Job Promotion
How to Decrease Workplace Stress When You Advance a Level
Apr 22, 2009
Getting promoted or advancing at work is an exciting career goal for many people. But, new psychology research shows that improving your job status increases mental strain and stress.
Here’s why advancing at work can be detrimental to your health, plus tips on staying healthy following a job promotion.
Psychology Research on Workplace Promotions
Increased mental strain and stress. Chris Boyce and Professor Andrew Oswald, economics and psychology researchers at the University of Warwick, found that employees’ mental health decreases by 10% after a job promotion.
Fewer doctors’ visits. These researchers also found that after advancing at work, employees are 20% less likely to visit their doctors for routine physicals or specific health complaints. Promoted workers have more time constraints, which – coupled with increased mental strain and stress – leads to fewer doctors’ visits and poorer health.
“Getting a promotion at work is not as great as many people think,” says Boyce. “Our research finds that the mental health of managers typically deteriorates after a job promotion, and in a way that goes beyond merely a short-term change. There are no indications of any health improvements for promoted people other than reduced [doctors’ visits], which may itself be something to worry about rather than celebrate.”
4 Ways to Stay Healthy After a Job Promotion
- Take lava lamps and green plants to work. Both are scientifically proven to reduce stress and improve health at work. The motion of the lava lamp is visually relaxing, and green plants increase job satisfaction.
- Develop strategies for coping with workplace bullying, abusive bosses, and personality differences. The better equipped you are to deal with conflict at work, the less mental stress and strain you’ll feel.
- Take “mental health” days. Don’t reserve time off for when you’re physically ill or on vacation! To stay healthy after a job promotion, make it a habit to spend one day a month relaxing or pursuing your favorite leisure activity.
- Deal with health problems immediately. Instead of fitting into the “fewer doctors’ visits” category, make sure to deal with issues such as depression, stomachaches, headaches, or chronic fatigue as soon as possible. To fully enjoy a workplace promotion or new job status, you need stay as healthy as possible.
Job promotions are events to celebrate - and these tips for decreasing workplace stress will keep you happy and healthy!
Related Reading
For more information on success at work, read 8 Tips for a Better Work Environment or 5 Ways to be More Productive at Work.
To learn about handling your finances after a promotion, go to the Top 10 Articles on Paying Off Debt and Saving Money
Source of the psychology research on workplace promotions information:
- “Researchers Find Promotion is Bad for Mental Health and Stops You Visiting the Doctor.” a University of Warwick Press Release (April 9, 2009).
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