New research reveals that regularly working over 52 hours a week can cause structural changes in brain regions linked to memory, attention, and emotional regulation. These findings highlight the real neurological risks of long working hours and underline the importance of setting healthy work-life boundaries. Protect your brain health by recognising the signs of overwork and promoting a balanced approach to work.
Overworking: New Research Reveals Its Impact on Brain Structure and Wellbeing
We all know that working long hours can leave us feeling tired and stressed—but new research suggests the effects of overworking go much deeper, potentially altering the very structure of our brains.
What Did the Study Find?
A recent study, published in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine, found that regularly working 52 hours or more per week is linked to significant changes in brain regions responsible for problem-solving, memory, and emotional regulation. Using MRI scans, researchers examined the brains of health workers who consistently clocked up long hours. The results showed a 19% increase in the volume of the left caudal middle frontal gyrus—a region involved in attention, working memory, and language processing—in those working excessive hours compared to those with standard schedules.
Other changes were also observed in brain areas linked to planning, decision-making, emotional processing, and self-awareness. These findings suggest that overwork doesn’t just affect how we feel day-to-day; it may actually reshape the brain regions that underpin our cognitive and emotional health.
Why Does This Matter?
The study provides the first neurobiological evidence that prolonged overworking can lead to structural brain changes. This is particularly concerning given that a culture of long working hours is on the rise globally, with nearly a quarter of UK workers regularly exceeding the legal maximum of 48 hours per week. Many employees also report feeling pressure to be constantly available, even outside normal working hours.
What Can Employers and Employees Do?
Experts are calling for urgent action to address the risks of overwork. Recommendations include:
Setting clear boundaries: Encourage a healthy work-life balance and the right to disconnect outside of working hours.
Transparent policies: Employers should review and update workplace policies to address hidden expectations and psycho-social risks.
Regular check-ins: Monitor employee wellbeing and workload to prevent burnout and long-term health issues.
The Bottom Line
Overworking isn’t just a matter of feeling tired—it’s now linked to real, measurable changes in the brain. By recognising the risks and promoting healthier working habits, we can protect both our cognitive health and overall wellbeing.