Posted by Employer Wellness | Posted in Employer Wellness | Posted on 26-07-2010
Advantages of Stress Reduction Programs
While stress cannot be eliminated from life, or even from the workplace, coping skills may be developed with relative ease. Stress management skills lead to decreased absenteeism and more effective, more productive workers.
Because stress has been proven to contribute to such physical conditions as ulcers, high blood pressure (BP) and stroke, stress reduction has a direct impact on bettering physical health.
Studies have shown that heart patients who attend stress management programs have 42% lower health care costs. Other studies have documented a 50% reduction in medical services use when stress management programs are employed.
Further, Worker Assistance Program (EAP) specialists estimate that 20% of any workforce is affected by personal problems that can influence work performance.
Stress reduction tactics to consider –
• Offer on-site yoga or meditation classes.
• Organize support groups among staff members.
• Sponsor stress management courses during the workday.
• Offer an employee assistance program that includes both counseling and referral.
• Offer on-site counseling for employees in the case of a work-related trauma, such as the death of a peer.