THE math is simple: please the boss, get a raise or some other attractive perk. And as such some employees go above and beyond the call of duty in their jobs, often overworking themselves in the process.

However, while having drive is good, the sacrifices you make may lead to things like your health deteriorating.

Clinical and occupational psychologist and CEO/ founder of Training, Dynamics and Consultants Limited, Dr Ainsley Deer, said being overworked for a short period is something most persons can cope with, but over time it can be dangerous.

“If you continue to be overworked it can affect you in multiple ways. It can affect you physically, where you become sick; emotionally, where you may worry excessively and develop drinking or other bad habits; and it can also cause you to do destructive things,” Dr Deer said.

Medical doctor Ryan Halsall said people often underestimate the relationship that exists between work, stress and their health, which is dangerous.

“Long-term stress may interfere with your immune system and have a negative impact on your well- being,” Dr Halsall said.

He maintained that without adequate rest, ultimate productivity will not be achieved.

Here are some signs that you are overworked:

1. You multi-think. If you are thinking of more than one thing at once, it’s pretty obvious you have too much on your mind. When your thoughts begin to race, take a break and write a to-do list, ensure you tick off as you go along, and remain dedicated to the task at hand.

2. You have a bad attitude. Suddenly, everyone and everything that comes within five feet of you is a problem. Your colleagues fear approaching you and would rather stay home than face you on a daily basis.

3. You have constant mood swings. Your colleagues see you as a walking time bomb and keep their distance because they have no idea when you are going to blow. This minute you’re smiling, the next minute you’re fuming. If you find yourself being unnecessarily rude to others, try replacing the negative words with positive ones.

4. You feel sorry for yourself. Going this route is an act of selfishness and ungratefulness. You are likely in a better position than many persons, so count your blessings. Strategise and move on from your stress.

5. You dwell on the past. It is far more stressful to dwell on your past and remind people of how successful you were or how many people placed you on a pedestal five years ago. Live for the moment you’re dealing with and aim to better yourself. The past is the past; make the best of your future.

6. You sleep on the job. This simply means you are not well rested. Sleep deprivation, according to Dr Alfred Dawes, consultant general, laparoscopic and obesity surgeon, may lead to death. For the body to function it needs rest. Dr Deer mentioned that in some countries it is policy to have a rest time included in the working day, as managers recognise that it is an important function of a workplace.

7. You’re not punctual. While each person will be late for work at some point in their life, when it becomes second nature you may need to take a step back. Try setting your alarm clock to wake you up an hour ahead of your regular start time so that you can be more productive.

8. Your job poses a threat to your health. “Those who work on a shift basis in the manufacturing industry have more serious human errors when they are not well rested,” Dr Deer said. He added that these individuals often complain of chronic fatigue as well as digestive issues as they are not eating at the right times.

“The loss in diminishing returns will hurt employers and the workplace can become dangerous when people are not allowed to rest,” he said.