August 2, 2007 (Insidermedicine) People who have little control over their jobs and who receive little support at work are generally not as happy or healthy as those with more control and support.

The results of a new survey published in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine suggests that farmers are the unhappiest of all self-employed workers.

Over the past 20 years, more and more people have decided to run their own small business, often with 10 or fewer employees. Some of the advantages of self-employment include:
•    Independence
•    The ability to work flexible hours
•    A more balanced work-personal life mix

Some of the disadvantages include:
•    Added responsibilities
•    Long work hours
•    Lack of support
•    Mental stress

The survey collected information about productivity at work, health, and quality of life from 3,500 adults who worked full time. Of the 10% who were self-employed, and 3.5% were farmers.

The survey found that self-employed workers who have support staff are better off than those working alone, and that farmers are the unhappiest and unhealthiest of all. About one-third of farmers reported they weren’t very productive at work compared to 16% of paid workers and 12% of self-employed workers who have staff.

The survey shows that people who work for themselves tend to have more control over their working lives, despite the added stress. As a result, they tend to be happier and healthier. Farmers, on the other hand, tend to be unhappier and unhealthier due to the high demands of modern farming; the long hours spent farming and taking care of administrative tasks, and the added stress of working alone for long hours.

In order for farmers to live healthier, happier lives, specially designed programs will need to be set up to provide them with the physical and emotional support they need.

For Insidermedicine In Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.