The Victorians knew a bit about burnout
Late 19th-century executives also suffered from stress
16 June 2019 - 00:07
In 1897, Murray Finch-Hatton, 12th Earl of Winchilsea and a pioneering motorist, wrote to fellow board members of the Great Horseless Carriage Company: "Gentlemen - I believe you are aware that about three months ago, as the result of overwork, my health suddenly broke down, and Sir William Broadbent . ordered me at once to go to the Riviera."
But the rest cure had failed, and Broadbent, an eminent physician, had judged the earl was "not in a fit state of health to undertake any responsible work". As a result, he would be obliged to step down as a director...
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