Workplace Stress Programs

Workplace stress cost employers thousands of dollars a year. Most often in the form of lost time, sick leave, presenteeism and other illnesses.

 

In 2006, the University of Michigan Health Management Research Center Cost/Benefit Report indicated that employees with high stress levels and stress scores from their health risk appraisals, cost an average of $1,600 per employee per year.

 

With an unstable economy, increased work loads, and busier personal lives, offering programs that help employee manage stress levels is even more important. Employers must evaluate their environment to ensure that they are doing all they can to prevent unnecessary stressors at work.

 

Stress cannot be completely eliminated from our lives but we can learn how to effective manage it and therefore reduce chances of developing health risks.

 

High stress levels have been shown to increase risk for serious health complications such as high blood pressure, stroke, ulcers, and other illnesses you can understand how important offering workplace stress reduction/management programs. Programs that focus on environmental changes within the worksite will have the most impact on job stress.

 

Below you will find some workplace stress programs that I have seen implemented onsite for employers and their employees. Stress programs are challenging to get employees to attend because they are sensitive about showing a need for help, especially at work. Utilizing a combination of these programs will help you gain a balance of programs to meet all employees' needs.

 

Workplace Stress Program Ideas

 

• Provide onsite wellness/health consultants where employees can sign up for confidential, individualized appointments. (either by phone or in person)

 

• Onsite chair massage. Schedule a massage therapist to provide onsite 10-15 minute or longer chair massage appointments to employees. Find out how effective workplace chair massage can be at managing stress levels for employees within your organization.

 

• Be sure to provide access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) available to all employees and their family for low or no cost (recommended).

 

• Workplace anger management issues can be extremely stressful to employees. It is essential that employees have access to anger management counseling and guidance regarding the anger of co-workers. Find information, products and services for these issues and workplace violence prevention.

 

• If possible, create an employee only space for breaks that allow them to take time away from their activities. This may include a quiet break room lounge with comfortable chairs or other soothing pieces to allow them to take a break. You may provide newsletters, magazines, or brochures on stress reduction, time management, or other topics for them to review.

 

• Onsite Yoga or Meditation classes are another great option for employees. You would be surprised how many would participate as they have always wanted to give it a try. These classes could be available during work time and before/after work.

 

• Offer stress management/reduction programs or presentations for employees to attend if they choose. Stress Relief Choices is both a resource for stress management information: from how to meditate, to what exercises to do, and a training company specializing in offering workshops on stress reduction and well-being.
  

 

• Educate employees about community resources that are available to help them with stress management/reduction if they want to participate outside of the work environment.

 

• Make onsite counseling available for employees in case of a work-related injury, trauma or family tragedy.

 

Workplace Stress Resources

Here are some great resources that I recommend you review for more information on job stress and how to effectively manage your onsite stress reduction/management programs.

 

Centers of Disease Control (CDC) "Job Stress"

Beat Evil Effects of Aggression : Natural Cure For Diabetes By Bioenergetics!

National Institute for Safety and Occupational Health(NIOSH)

American Institute on Stress

 

OTHER RELATED ARTICLES:

 

Eliminating Common Job Stressors & Aggravations

Health Risk Appraisals Can Identify Stress Levels Among Employees

Employee Health Screenings

Increasing Physical Activity Levels Help Stress Levels

Healthy Eating Program Ideas

Recommended Wellness Resources

Health Promotion Jobs

 

 

 

Go to Home Page from Workplace Stress