The Workplace Makes People Ill

According to an international survey reported by the Times of Malta, nearly a fifth of employees in Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and North America say their work makes them ill or unhealthy. I think the survey is right, and I blame the office environment.

I few years ago, I worked for an international computer manufacturer. I loved the job but loathed spending my days in a cubicle. The constant noise of ringing telephones and chatter gave me a daily headache. The open office landscape—which is now the most common in bigger companies—made me irritated and uncomfortable, and I think many people share my need for some privacy and calm to do a good job.