In recent years, self-employment has gained popularity for its flexibility and autonomy, offering individuals more control over their schedules and workload. For women, this shift could bring more than just professional freedom it might also improve cardiovascular health. A recent long-term study suggests that self-employed women may experience better health outcomes compared to those in traditional salaried positions, including lower rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. But could this really be the case? And what does it mean for women’s overall well-being?
The Study Behind the Findings
The study, published in BMC Women’s Health, was part of a larger health and retirement survey conducted by the University of Michigan. It tracked the health habits of 4,624 women over the age of 50, including 16% who were self-employed. The researchers focused on risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, while also considering physical activity levels. What they found was striking: self-employed women were healthier overall. They reported 34% lower odds of being obese, 43% lower odds of having high blood pressure, and 30% lower odds of having diabetes compared to their salaried counterparts.
The study also noted that self-employed women were more physically active, with 80% reporting exercise at least twice a week, compared to 72% of salaried women. This increased physical activity could play a significant role in reducing cardiovascular risk factors, highlighting the health benefits of having greater control over one’s schedule.
Flexibility and Health: Is There a Link?
One of the key factors in the study’s findings is the greater flexibility that comes with self-employment. Women working for themselves often have more freedom to structure their day, including the ability to exercise or manage stress in ways that might not be possible in a traditional office setting. However, it’s important to note that not all self-employed roles are created equal. A high-powered consultant working from home can exercise at her convenience, but a rideshare driver or contractor may not enjoy the same level of flexibility. This disparity suggests that the benefits of self-employment on health may depend on the nature of the work and the degree of control an individual has over their schedule.
Dr. Emily Lau, a cardiologist specializing in women’s cardiovascular health at Massachusetts General Hospital, emphasized the importance of this flexibility. She suggests that workplace autonomy could be a contributing factor to better health outcomes, pointing out that the pandemic has already shifted how we view work. For many, remote work or flexible schedules have become more common, which might help create a healthier work-life balance.
Limitations of the Study
While the study offers valuable insights, it also comes with certain limitations. As an observational study, it cannot prove cause and effect. In other words, while the findings suggest that self-employment is linked to better cardiovascular health, it doesn’t mean that being self-employed directly causes these improvements. Many factors could be at play, such as higher education levels, financial literacy, and age, all of which are often more prevalent among self-employed individuals and have been associated with better health outcomes.
Additionally, the study relied on self-reported data, meaning participants were asked about their health habits rather than undergoing independent health screenings. This can introduce bias, as individuals’ perceptions of their health might not always align with medical assessments. For example, someone who reports their health as “fair” may actually be experiencing symptoms that go unnoticed or underreported.
Could the Findings Be Applied to the Broader Workforce?
The good news is that we don’t need to be self-employed to benefit from the study’s conclusions. The flexibility offered by many employers during the pandemic such as remote work and flexible hours could offer similar health benefits. Dr. Lau advocates for workplace environments that prioritize employee well-being, suggesting that promoting flexibility and autonomy could help improve overall health outcomes, not just for women but for workers of all genders.
As the world continues to rethink how we approach work, this study serves as a reminder of the potential benefits of workplace flexibility. By reimagining traditional work structures, we might not only foster better career satisfaction but also improve cardiovascular health, one of the most critical aspects of overall well-being. Whether self-employed or salaried, the goal should be to create environments that support both productivity and health.
