Anxiety from a Work Conflict May Be Exacerbated by Lack of Knowledge of Work Life Rules—A Case Series

Abstract

Job performance is dependent on a multitude of factors in the work place, the personal characteristics of the employees and the personal performance or leading strategies of the employer. Food retail shops in Norway are staffed with young persons, often students seeking part time jobs. Trade union membership is rare, and occupational health service is distant if existing at all. The aim was to present the development of three young workers in relation to the handling of length and timing of workdays and sickness absence. All three were referred to a private psychiatric practice because of increasing anxiety and depressive traits. Two had symptoms interfering with their academic study performance leading to sickness absence. A hitherto unknown bipolar disorder became evident and needed medication and further psychotherapy. The unfavourable work environment was deemed the most probable provoking factor for the reduction in functional performance in these otherwise healthy young students.