Stressed to Death: When Work Becomes a Silent Killer – Asrar Qureshi’s Blog Post #1096

Stressed to Death: When Work Becomes a Silent Killer – Asrar Qureshi’s Blog Post #1096

Dear Colleagues! This is Asrar Qureshi’s Blog Post #1096 for Pharma Veterans. Pharma Veterans Blogs are published by Asrar Qureshi on its dedicated site https://pharmaveterans.com. Please email to pharmaveterans2017@gmail.com  for publishing your contributions here.

Credit: Anna Tarazevich

Credit: Mizuno K

Preamble

Couple of days ago, several people posted about the sad death of a pharmaceutical sales officer named Harawal. He died in a road accident. From the pictures, it looked that he would be in mid-thirties, a well-built, handsome guy. During the last some time, several such cases of pharmaceutical sales personnel have come to light; young people dying of heart attack or from road accidents when they were driving themselves. Stress is the culprit, and it is well-known fact that the major pharmaceutical companies are in a mad rush of adding billions to their turnover, and they are willing to go to any length to achieve this. Of course, salespeople are directly affected because they are the ones who actually bring home revenue.

In an era defined by constant hustle, hyper-connectivity, and relentless competition, workplace stress has evolved into a silent epidemic. While the emotional toll of job-related stress is increasingly recognized, its fatal consequences remain under-discussed. From sudden heart attacks to deadly car accidents caused by exhaustion and distraction, the dangers of unmanaged stress are alarmingly real.

This post explores the pressing issue of workplace stress that leads to premature death — and what we can do about it, both personally and collectively.

The Escalating Crisis of Job-Related Stress

Across industries and continents, professionals are operating under immense pressure: longer hours, unrealistic expectations, round-the-clock digital engagement, and a growing fear of being left behind in a competitive market. For many, this pressure reaches a boiling point — manifesting in burnout, breakdowns, or, in the most tragic cases, death.

“Karoshi,” a Japanese term, literally means “death from overwork.” It is not just a cultural phenomenon, but a global warning sign.

In India, the U.S., China, and many developing economies, similar stories emerge. Employees collapsing at their desks. Young executives dying of cardiac arrest. Commuters crashing due to work-induced fatigue. These aren’t exceptions — they are signals of a work culture gone too far.

The Physiology of Fatal Stress

Chronic stress affects every system of the body. It triggers a cascade of harmful biological reactions:

• Elevated cortisol and adrenaline levels, which increase blood pressure and heart rate.

• Suppressed immune function, making the body more prone to illness.

• Insomnia and fatigue, impairing focus, reflexes, and mental resilience.

• Emotional dysregulation, leading to anxiety, depression, and impaired decision-making.

Combined, these effects significantly raise the risk of sudden cardiac events, strokes, and accidents — particularly for individuals already managing lifestyle-related health risks.

Often Ignored Early Signs

Despite the signals our bodies give us, workplace stress is often internalized, dismissed, or even glorified. Common warning signs include:

• Persistent fatigue, even after sleep

• Chest discomfort or palpitations

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Irritability, anxiety, or frequent mood swings

• Chronic headaches or gastrointestinal problems

In cultures that idolize endurance and discourage vulnerability, these symptoms are frequently masked until it’s too late.

Toxic Work Culture: The Hidden Culprit

A major driver behind extreme stress is not just the workload — it’s the culture that surrounds it. In many companies, overwork is a badge of honor. Employees are applauded for “going the extra mile” while penalized for setting boundaries.

Typical red flags include:

• Unrealistic deadlines

• Inaccessible leadership

• Lack of psychological safety

• Incentives tied only to output, not effort or sustainability

• Punitive attitudes towards sick leave or time off

Such environments don't just harm employee morale — they cost lives.

Remedies at Multiple Levels

Addressing the crisis of workplace stress and sudden deaths requires action on three fronts: individual, organizational, and policy.

Individual Remedies: Managing Personal Stress

1. Set firm boundaries: Unplug after working hours. Say “no” when necessary.

2. Prioritize health: Daily physical activity, nutritious food, and hydration are non-negotiable.

3. Seek professional help: Therapy, coaching, or counseling can build coping mechanisms.

4. Practice mindfulness: Techniques like meditation, journaling, or breathwork help calm the nervous system.

5. Listen to your body: Fatigue, dizziness, irritability — these are warning signs, not inconveniences.

Organizational Remedies: Human-Centered Workplaces

Companies that care about performance must first care about people. Key interventions include:

1. Encouraging paid time off and discouraging "work martyrdom."

2. Flexible work policies that allow hybrid or remote work where possible.

3. Leadership training on empathy, stress detection, and inclusive management.

4. Providing access to wellness resources, including confidential mental health support.

5. Redefining productivity to include employee well-being as a core metric.

An employee who feels safe, heard, and respected will outperform one who lives in fear.

Policy and Governance Remedies

Governments and regulators must create environments where worker welfare is prioritized:

1. Enforce limits on maximum working hours and compulsory breaks.

2. Mandate mental health coverage under corporate health insurance schemes.

3. Introduce workplace stress audits as part of labor compliance.

4. Launch awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and educate workers on recognizing burnout.

Leadership’s Role in Prevention

Executives and team leaders are uniquely positioned to reverse harmful trends. Steward leadership — rooted in empathy, long-term thinking, and collective responsibility — can shift the workplace narrative from survival to sustainability.

Great leaders ask:

- Are my people burning out?

- What culture am I reinforcing?

- How can I create a place where success doesn’t come at the cost of sanity?

Sum Up

In the rush to climb the ladder or chase quarterly targets, we often forget a simple truth: Work is only one part of life. It is not life itself.

A fulfilling job should add to your life, not take it away.

It's time we stop glorifying grind culture. Let’s build a professional world where ambition doesn’t equal exhaustion, and success doesn’t come at the cost of one’s heart — literally.

The individuals should reflect on their work-life balance today. They must think what changes they incorporate in their work habits and routines. 

The organizations should initiate wellness practices in the workplace. It could save a life.

The policymakers should prioritize labor laws that treat well-being as a right, not a luxury.

Concluded.

Disclaimers: Pictures in these blogs are taken from free resources at Pexels, Pixabay, Unsplash, and Google. Credit is given where available. If a copyright claim is lodged, we shall remove the picture with appropriate regrets.

For most blogs, I research from several sources which are open to public. Their links are mentioned under references. There is no intent to infringe upon anyone’s copyrights. If, any claim is lodged, it will be acknowledged and recognized duly.