Work-Related Factors and Cognitive Health: Evidence-Based Insights for Organizational Practice

Cognitive functioning represents a critical determinant of worker performance, safety, and long-term neurological health. While cognitively stimulating work environments can promote healthy cognitive aging, several occupational factors demonstrate consistent detrimental effects on cognitive performance. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from 64 empirical studies examining relationships between work-related exposures and cognitive outcomes across multiple domains including attention, memory, executive function, and processing speed. Results indicate that shift work—particularly night shifts—occupational stress, and prolonged working hours consistently impair cognitive functioning through mechanisms including circadian disruption, chronic sleep deficiency, and stress-mediated neurophysiological changes. Evidence regarding sedentary work remains inconclusive due to methodological heterogeneity. Findings suggest workplace health promotion should prioritize shift schedule optimization, stress reduction interventions, working hour limitations, and recovery-oriented practices. These evidence-based modifications can protect cognitive health during working years while potentially mitigating early cognitive decline following retirement.