Temp Jobs Harm Mental Health – Study Suggests
August 13th, 2009
In the modern economic environment, many people are struggling with job loss or with the fear of losing their sources of income, and some are turning to temp jobs in an effort to stay afloat. While this may be a wise choice financially, a study conducted at McGill University has concluded that such jobs may actually be a threat to mental health. Analyzing data recorded over a ten year period, the researchers found that not only were those workers in temp positions more likely to exhibit symptoms of mental health concerns, but that the association became stronger as workers stayed in a temp job capacity for extended periods of time. The work suggests that greater care for temp workers and the unemployed may be necessary.
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Comments
Nice writing style. I look forward to reading more in the future.
Temps know the nature of the job contract when they take it on. Sure it’s a strain not knowing how long a contract will last. If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen and go find a permanent job. I can’t find much sympathy for temps when thousands more are coping with unemployment.
Don’t care what you say there are some people who are just trying to make ends meet the best way that they know how and in many cases my own included that has meant taking on temp jobs. It may not be ideal but you know what? It helps to pay the bills and that is the most that I can ask for right now. That does not mean that I want to be stuck in some of these dead end jobs forever but for right now they are helping me to take care of me and my family without any handouts and that suits me just fine.
All workers are under the same pressure in this economy wondering if their job will still be there in three or six months time. Temps needn’t be singled out for special treatment. We’re all in the same boat!
oh my goodness Lacey that is right! It’s all changed. My dh is in full time employment and worries himself sick about his job. I hide how worried I am too for him. The poor temps live with that stress 24/7. How they cope with that I’ll never know.
Interesting observation. In my work with the clients (business owners) I saw that much harmful stress is generated when employees are not certain in their job position. This could be one of the reasons to take temp jobs. Other might be that temp job people have less responsibilities (they are not married, have no children…)
I run a temp staffing agency and I find that this kind of information is highly inflamatory as well as demeaning to those who have chosen to take on this type of employment during these economic times. We do nothing that would worsen the mental health situation of our workers. As a matter of fact we all work very hard to ensure that they are placed at appropriate work environments which will not only meet their skill levels but which will also allow them to feel good about themselves and maintain steady employment. I feel like what we try to do in my agency is to do good for others and provide them with a resonable way to provide for themselves and their families and to suggest that this is harmful is offensive to say the least. Most of the people who come to us want to work and I find enjoy making a living regardless of whether the job is a temporary one or whether it turns into one which is permanent.
Congressional funding towards therapy instead of bailouts would do this country more good. The politicians have driven us all to breaking point with this economic mess.
This is a difficult environment to stay upbeat in when jobs are being lost and businesses closed down. Now is when we need to remember that attitude is everything. If therapy is what’s needed to help improve our attitudes so be it. Accept it with an open mind. No one has to internalize those worries when they can talk them through with a therapist.
Grayson I worked as a temp before and the agency was excellent. I was more thoroughly assessed there than I was for any full time job I’ve had. I enjoyed the variety of work and environments. The agency wasn’t to blame for the anxiety I felt being a temp. It was for one reason only I was anxious. I couldn’t count on a regular wage.
The work wasn’t the problem nor the agency. It was the insecure nature of the job. The study isn’t blaming agencies.
Hey cool off there Connie! The choice to be a temp isn’t being criticized there. It’s about how tough a job that is. We all do what we have to to put food on the table. Put those hackles down girl.
I just want to wish everyone well and their families. The economic crisis can bring us together or divide us. I want it to be the former. Can we please support one another? Thank you.
Thanks for that Victoria. We are all in this together.
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