ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the threat posed by modern workplace expectations for long hours and the impact of long hours on health and wellbeing. It describes psychological mechanisms linking jobs to health and wellbeing using the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model, and proposes strategies of psychological recovery and renewal that can help mitigate the effects of the current workplace culture. A long-hours culture essentially is a culture of high demand and little renewal of resources, creating a vicious cycle. The chapter also describes recommendations for breaking this cycle and helping individuals perform at their best in the workplace. It presents some solutions that can be implemented by organizations and individuals to help counter the negative impact of the current 24/7 work culture. The chapter considers recovery an important mechanism that can buffer against the negative effects of long-hours work culture on health.
