Workplace stress, excessive working hours and toxic environments are contributing to more than 840,000 deaths globally each year, according to a new international study that highlights the growing health risks tied to modern work culture. The findings point to what experts describe as a silent crisis, where pressures at work are increasingly linked to serious physical and mental health conditions. “More than 840,000 people die each year from health conditions linked to risks such as long working hours, job insecurity, workplace harassment and bullying,” the study said. Read More: Doctors Say Heart Attacks Give Silent Warnings We Often Ignore Growing toll on mental and physical health The research examined how job design, management practices and workplace policies influence employee health. It found that long hours, unstable employment and hostile work environments are major contributors to conditions such as heart disease, depression and anxiety. In some cases, prolonged stress and workplace pressures have also been associated with increased suicide risk. Experts warn that these risks are rising as work patterns shift globally. The expansion of gig work, remote employment and performance-driven corporate cultures has intensified pressure on workers while weakening traditional support systems. The report notes that many workplaces still focus primarily on physical safety, often overlooking psychological well-being despite mounting evidence of its impact. Read More: Anxiety Isn’t Just Overthinking: The Symptoms People Miss and What Helps Calls for urgent action The findings have prompted calls for governments and employers to rethink how work is structured and managed. Specialists say improving working conditions requires a broader approach that includes mental health protections, fair workloads and stronger safeguards against harassment. “Addressing psychosocial risks is not optional. It is essential for protecting both workers and economies,” the study emphasised. Analysts also highlight the economic consequences of inaction, including lost productivity, rising healthcare costs and increased absenteeism. As more people face burnout and chronic stress, businesses and policymakers are being urged to adopt sustainable work models. The study underscores that healthier workplaces are not only a social priority but also a critical factor in long-term economic stability. Read More: Two-Week Digital Detox Shows Major Brain and Mood Benefits