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 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.
Please forward it to your friends too ... 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. Avoid rich masala foods. Let your
food regularly have 1) Ginger,Onion (small), Garlic, Mint leaves 2)
Apple,Mosambi/Orange,
Water Melon 3)
Honey.
