Advantages of Stress Reduction Programs
While stress cannot be eliminated from life, or even from the workplace, coping skills could be created with relative ease. Stress management skills lead to decreased absenteeism and more effective, more productive staff.
Because stress has been shown 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.
Furthermore, Employee 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 -
o Give on-site yoga or meditation classes.
o Organize support groups among personnel.
o Sponsor stress management classes during the workday.
o Provide an staff member assistance program that includes both counseling and referral.
o Give on-site counseling for staff with a work-related trauma, such as the death of a peer.