Chronic workplace stress as a potential factor in biological ageing
Chronic workplace stress can have long-term effects on health. But could it also influence how our bodies age? This question is at the centre of a new scientific review involving researchers from Semmelweis University in Budapest and other institutions, including EUniWell member universities.
Published in the journal GeroScience, the paper examines potential links between work-related stress and biological ageing and outlines approaches to promoting health in the workplace. The authors include Virág Zábó, Andrea Lehoczki, Péter Varga, and Annamária Buda. Professor Beatrix Busse, EUniWell’s Chief Development Officer, is also among the co-authors.
How work-related stress may be linked to biological ageing
Biological ageing refers to changes in the body that do not depend solely on a person’s chronological age. Chronic stress may influence these processes through various biological mechanisms, including prolonged activation of the body’s stress hormone system, inflammation and oxidative stress, changes in DNA methylation, impaired mitochondrial function, and the shortening of telomeres, the protective ends of chromosomes.
The researchers do not view stress solely as an individual problem. Working conditions can also play a role: limited autonomy, unclear responsibilities, emotional demands, conflicts, and a lack of social support can contribute to chronic stress. Conversely, positive social relationships, supportive leadership, and opportunities for employees to participate in decision-making can help buffer its effects.
From research to healthier workplaces
An important basis for further research is the Semmelweis Study at Semmelweis University in Budapest. The study examines the health of university employees, assessing cardiometabolic health, cognitive performance, and biological markers of ageing. Described as the largest workplace-based longitudinal study of its kind in Central Europe, it aims to improve understanding of the links between working conditions and health. The baseline assessment began in 2024, with repeated data collection planned every five years over a period of at least 20 years.
“Universities offer particular advantages for this type of research,” says Dr Virág Zábó, a psychologist at Semmelweis University and first author of the paper. “They are both research institutions and major employers, with staff working across a wide range of professional roles and workplace settings. This makes it possible for the Semmelweis Study to investigate links between working conditions and health while also identifying opportunities to improve health in the university workplace.”
Building on the Semmelweis Study, the authors describe the Semmelweis–EUniWell Workplace Health Promotion Model Program, which combines measures at the organisational level with support for individual employees. These include healthier workplace design, flexible working arrangements, supportive leadership, and opportunities for employees to participate in decision-making. At the individual level, the model incorporates approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, sleep optimisation, and physical activity.
Can reducing stress influence biological ageing?
The published paper provides a conceptual framework for further research. Future studies will need to investigate whether measures to reduce work-related stress can influence biological ageing processes.
Potential methods include epigenetic clocks, which estimate biological age based on patterns of DNA methylation. Protein-based analyses and continuously collected physiological data could provide further insights into possible changes in biological ageing processes.
The aim is to establish whether reducing workplace stress can not only improve employees’ health and well-being but also influence biological ageing over time.
Further Information
Zábó, V., et al. (2026). Work stress and healthy aging: A conceptual framework for the Semmelweis study and the Semmelweis-EUniWell workplace health promotion model program. GeroScience.
DOI: 10.1007/s11357-026-02526-y
Contact
EUniWell Communications
Stay in touch & up-to-date!
Follow us on our social media channels:
Bluesky
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
And subscribe to our EUniWell newsletter for regular highlights and save-the-dates to upcoming EUniWell events delivered straight to your inbox:
