Workplace discrimination linked to increased risk of high blood pressure, study finds | CNN

Workplace discrimination, a common and unfortunate reality for many employees across the country, may have more far-reaching effects than previously thought. According to a recent study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research, discrimination in the workplace is linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure.

The study, conducted over several years and involving over 1,500 participants, found that those who reported experiencing workplace discrimination had a significantly higher likelihood of developing high blood pressure. Specifically, those who reported experiencing discrimination on the job had a 33% greater risk of developing high blood pressure than those who did not report discrimination.

While previous studies have linked workplace discrimination to a range of negative health outcomes, including depression and anxiety, this is the first to specifically identify a connection between discrimination and high blood pressure. This is particularly concerning given the widespread nature of discrimination in the workplace - across industries and professions, individuals from marginalized groups are more likely to report experiencing discriminatory behavior from colleagues, managers, or other authority figures.

The implications of this study are clear: workplace discrimination is not just a matter of personal discomfort or unfair treatment, but a public health issue with serious long-term effects. By creating cultures of inclusion and respect in the workplace, employers can not only foster happier, healthier workplaces, but also promote overall health outcomes for their employees.

As civil rights activist and scholar Audre Lorde once wrote, “There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle, because we do not live single-issue lives.” This study is a reminder that discrimination, whether in the workplace or elsewhere, has far-reaching consequences for our physical as well as emotional wellbeing.