English Lessons

Having a bad boss could be bad for your heart. This is the conclusion of a Swedish study on management styles and health. The researchers concluded that poor managers can increase their employee's risk of developing heart disease. The Stockholm University study analyzed data on the health of 3,000 male workers. They compared the data with the results from questionnaires about senior managers. The questions asked workers if they thought their boss was considerate, communicated well and offered positive feedback. Other questions looked at how much work bosses gave to workers and how well they outlined their goals. The research team found that workers who respected their bosses were healthier and had fewer heart problems.

The report is published in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine. It suggests that companies should re-train bosses to improve worker health. A healthier workforce will improve the overall health of the company. Investing in providing leadership skills to senior managers could be a good long-term investment. The researchers said a more supportive and understanding boss would reduce the chances of workers developing high blood pressure and stress-related illnesses. Magnus Larsson, an engineer for a large IT company, agreed with the report’s findings. He believes his heart attack last year was because of his boss: “The guy was a monster. Working for him was a daily nightmare for eight years,” Larsson said.

BOSS DISCUSSION:

1. What springs to mind when you hear the word ‘boss’?
2. Do you think you would be a good boss?
3. What makes a good boss a good boss?
4. Are you surprised that bosses can give their staff heart problems?
5. Why is it important to be considerate and give positive feedback?
6. What other things in the workplace are bad for your heart?
7. Do you think the workplace is a stressful place?
8. Have you had good or bad bosses?
9. Can anyone be a good boss?
10. Would you like to be a boss (why)?
11. What would managers learn in their training to be a good boss?
12. What should companies do to look after the health of their staff?
13. Do you know of any companies that treat their staff really well?
14. Do you think workers should be able to vote on whether their boss continues to be their boss?
15. Do you think companies should spend a lot of time and money on training managers?
16. Do you think workers should be able to sue companies if bosses give them heart problems?
17. What would you do if your boss was a monster who made your working life a daily nightmare?

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