Working long hours can affect a person’s productivity and health.

Health Minister, Dr. Ifereimi Waqainabete says long working hours lead to tiredness, fatigue and even serious health complications if workers don’t rest well and stay hydrated.

Dr. Waqainabete adds there’s a need for people to work smart and allow their bodies to get the rest it deserves.

“If people are not resting then they could be exhausted. They can be chronically fatigued. If they’re working hard for long hours and forgetting to keep themselves hydrated then they become dehydrated. So these are some of the indirect health effects of not looking after one’s self with the expectations that are at hand. Many of us know our own bodies so we need to know when to rest.”

The Minister adds people who work long hours need to prioritize their health as well.

“Of course the expectations are to work hard but actually we should be looking at working smarter. Working smarter encompasses everything. Making sure we are ready for the next day which also means we’re well rested.”

Dr. Waqainabete is also urging people to have healthy meals.