Here is something for the Software professionals to read through and
understand carefully. I do not know the source of this information, got
this as a mail forward way back in 2008 - but this certainly deserves a
careful review.
Six software professionals under the age of 33
have died and 2 top executives from renowned software companies have
become paralyzed because of stress-related heart ailments in the last
six months (read as Apr-Sep 2008) in Chennai, says a study by Mitran
Foundation, a Bangalore-based voluntary association of practicing
doctors.
"All the six who died, and the two who became invalid,
had no family history of heart attacks or any pre-history of heart
ailments or paralysis. They were all in their prime, between 27 and 33
years, and handled challenging projects at work in their respective
companies. They worked long and continuous hours. The end struck them
very suddenly, and it looked as if their hearts refused to take any more
stress," said Dr Dwarakanath, director of Mitran Foundation, who has
studied stress components in 40 software companies in Chennai during the
last six months.
The study, conducted at a cost of Rs 45 lakhs,
covered more than 4,000 software professionals from 80 companies who
were in service for a minimum of three years. The email responses were
scientifically tabulated and the findings were ready in 2002.
Dr
Dwarakanath, who was the late Dhirubhai Ambani's personal stress
management consultant, said questionnaires extracting every minute
detail were sent to the respondents. The personal background, family
history and personal characteristics of these individuals were assessed
and it was found that the stress in these professionals was only due to
work pressure. All other factors were eliminated.
"Our study
confirmed that the number of suicides, divorces, heart ailments, BP and
diabetes patients and mental depression are the highest in the software
industry. The fancy salaries of software professionals are no longer
something to rejoice about," Dr Dwarakanath said.
"We found that
the software industry has simply no routine. Deadlines hang before them
and every day they chase new problems. During weekends more than 60 per
cent of the vehicles are found parked in the office complexes. There is
no physical exercise and new food habits favoured by pizza culture fuel
the problem.
Cervical spondilitis and wrist problems due to
uncomfortable handling of the computer mouse, eye problems and
discomfort in bowel movements are common. The stress for couples where
both are employed in the IT industry is the worst. The simple step of
taking time off from work for three months allowed an IT couple wanting a
child for years to conceive one," Dr Dwarakanath said.
M. T. R.
Venukopalan, senior training coordinator, Covansys India, acknowledged
that IT professionals were the most stressed individuals. "Even if the
company sponsors a movie or self-care lecture, not many attend them," he
said. Jyothsana, a travel coordinator for Temenos India Pvt Ltd,
expressed concern for the young employees who complain of back and knee
pains. She acknowledged that IT professionals require a specific eating
and physical exercise routine to ease their stress. "Our lives are
becoming mechanical, guided only by deadlines," she said. So think again
if you are staying late in the office regularly. Think again about your
family. Think again about your social life and health.
Work is essential. Your contribution to the goal should be great. But, please don't make it a habit to stay late.
Don't skip your Break Fast /Lunch/Dinner. None of these are equated by Pizza, Biscuits / Wafers / Chat items/ Sandwiches.
Cheers
