Competency of boss not only determines the working atmosphere of the office but it also affects health of employees. A recent study revealed that a bad boss increases the risk of heart disease in the employees.

Researchers from the Karolinska Institute and Stockholm University followed the heart health of the male employees, aged between 19 and 70 and working in the Stockholm area, over a period of nearly a decade. During study span, 74 cases of fatal and non-fatal heart attack or acute angina, or death from ischaemic heart disease were reported.

The study subjects were asked to rate the leadership style of their senior managers on competencies. The rating was to be based on factors such as how clearly the senior managers set out goals for their staff and how good they were at communicating and giving feedback. Analysis of data showed that the staff who rated their boss as least competent had a 25% higher risk of a serious heart problem. Findings also revealed that employees working for four years or more - had a 64% higher risk.

Experts from University College London in the UK and the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, who were part of research team said that if a direct cause and effect was confirmed, then managers' behaviour should be targeted in a bid to stave off serious heart disease among less senior employees.

Psychologist Anna Nyberg, of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, said the link between bad management and bad health held true irrespective of social class, income, workload, lifestyle factors such as smoking and exercise and other risk factors for heart disease.