byUniversity of Tsukuba

Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Researchers at University of Tsukuba have found that people who have switched jobs are more likely to experience symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and insomnia, based on the results of an internet survey conducted with approximately 20,000 people in Japan.

The research ispublishedin theJournal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine.

Although changing jobs can be a chance for a fresh start, it can also lead to increased physical andmental stress. The study highlights the need to reexamine the support systems available to working individuals.

Job changes are widely employed forcareer development; however, their effects on health have attracted little attention until now. Data from an internet survey conducted with approximately 20,000 people nationwide were analyzed to elucidate the relationship between "job changes" and "self-reported health symptoms."

The results reveal that those who had switched jobs within the past year reported higher rates of symptoms, such asheadaches,fatigue, and insomnia, than those who did not. This trend was particularly evident among those experiencing their first job change.

Job changers experienced more stress factors, such as the burden of late-night shifts, workplace harassment, and excessive workloads. Such situations may lead to physical discomfort and negatively impact mental health.

The results indicate that job changes can present both opportunities and risks in the current workplace. They highlight the need to visualize the psychosocial stress associated with job changes and reevaluate the support systems currently in place for workplace transitions.

More information: Hiroshi Ito et al, Job Change and Self-reported Symptoms: A Nationwide Longitudinal Study in Japan, Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000003539

Provided by University of Tsukuba