In Other Journals

Interpersonal conflict at work can be bad for your health, according to researchers in the Netherlands. In a study of over 10 000 men, researchers analysed the effects of conflict with either co-workers or supervisors over a 2-year period. The results showed that conflict with co-workers was a significant risk factor for prolonged fatigue, poor general health, external occupational mobility (ie, changing employers), and an elevated need for recovery from work. Supervisor conflict appeared to be a risk factor for similar problems, with the addition of internal occupational mobility — a job change within the company. The researchers controlled for demographic factors, long-term illness, and other workplace stressors. They comment that one limitation of the study is that it included only men, and suggest that the effect on women, who are more emotionally responsive, may be even more serious.