Scientists: love for work strengthens physical health

# Love for Work Strengthens Health: Scientists Prove Link Between Passion and Well-being **Researchers from the University of Alberta have discovered that employees who are truly in love with their work fall ill less frequently and suffer less from anxiety and depression. The results of this large-scale study have been published in the journal Human Resource Management (HRM).** As part of eight studies, scientists analyzed the physical and mental health of more than 1,800 people. Participants answered questions about three key aspects of their work life: passion for their tasks, genuine closeness with colleagues, and authentic commitment to their organization. "For a person to fall into the category of those who love their work, all three factors must be present simultaneously. An employee who is passionate about their tasks but doesn't feel connected to colleagues, or gets along perfectly with the team but has emotionally distanced themselves from the company, doesn't fully meet the criteria," the study authors explained. The scientists recorded how often participants experienced insomnia, headaches, stomach problems, and general susceptibility to illness. Those who scored high on the work love scale complained of such ailments significantly less often. Moreover, these employees were less likely to arrive late or take excessively long breaks. People passionate about their work also reported lower levels of anxiety and depression—this pattern was confirmed across all studies regardless of the observation period. "Employees with high work attachment did not demonstrate tendencies toward workaholism or ethical violations. A deep love for one's work, it appears, does not transform into obsessive behavior and does not lead to burnout," the researchers concluded.