Toxic Workplaces Linked to Heart and Brain Health Risks

Research shows abusive leadership and job strain can significantly harm cardiovascular and neurological wellbeing.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:27pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Decades of research have shown that toxic work environments with high demands, low control, and lack of rewards can negatively impact both heart and brain health. A recent study of over 6,400 white-collar workers found that those experiencing job strain or effort-reward imbalance had nearly a 50% higher risk of developing coronary heart disease compared to those in healthier workplaces. Experts warn that the physical and psychological harms of abusive leadership extend beyond just the targets, also impacting the brains of observers who witness the mistreatment.

Why it matters

While workers are legally protected from physical hazards in the workplace, the law has not kept pace with safeguarding employees from the serious health consequences of psychosocial stressors like toxic leadership and job strain. This research underscores the urgent need for organizations to address these issues and create healthier work cultures to support the wellbeing of all employees.

The details

The study, led by Mathilde Lavigne-Robichaud at Université Laval, found that workers without any prior heart disease who were exposed to job strain or effort-reward imbalance had nearly a 50% higher risk of developing coronary heart disease compared to those in non-toxic workplaces. For men experiencing both job strain and effort-reward imbalance, the risk doubled. While the impacts were less conclusive for women, the researchers noted this may be due to heart issues manifesting later in life after retirement.

  • The Université Laval study was conducted from 2000 to 2018 and published in 2025.
  • Recent research presented at a conference in Denmark examined the brain activity of observers watching videos of abusive leadership.

The players

Mathilde Lavigne-Robichaud

The lead researcher on the Université Laval study that examined the cardiovascular health impacts of job strain and effort-reward imbalance.

Danni Wang and Chao Chen

Researchers at Rutgers University who studied the brain activity of observers witnessing abusive leadership.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There is more than 30 years of epidemiological evidence on the harmful effects of psychosocial stressors at work on cardiovascular health.”

— Mathilde Lavigne-Robichaud, Lead Researcher

“The findings show that witnessing abusive leadership first activates motivational brain regions, including the insula and cingulate cortex, associated with emotional salience, anger, and alarm.”

— Danni Wang and Chao Chen, Researchers

What’s next

Experts call for organizations to prioritize creating healthier work cultures that address psychosocial hazards and support the overall wellbeing of all employees, not just physical safety.

The takeaway

This research underscores the urgent need for employers to recognize and address the serious health impacts of toxic leadership and high-stress work environments. Protecting workers' hearts and brains should be a top priority, not just their physical safety.