Bad bosses cause heart attacks

A Swedish study has found that male employees who have to deal with incompetent bosses are at an increased risk of suffering heart attacks.

In an article published in the Occupational and Environmental Medicine journal, it states good bosses are considerate, but set clear goals and expectations. But bad bosses do not include employees in decisions affecting them, and are uncommunicative, inconsiderate and passive.

The article also states such actions lead to more stress, anxiety and a lack of control. Medical records of participants were examined, and those with more incompetent bosses had high risks of heart-related problems.

“This study is the first to provide evidence of a prospective, dose-response relationship between concrete managerial behaviours and objectively assessed heart disease among employees,” lead researcher Anna Nyberg explains in the report.

“Enhancing managers’ skills – regarding providing employees with information, support, power in relation to responsibilities, clarity in expectations, and feedback – could have important stress-reducing effects on employees and enhance the health at workplaces.”