Employers recognize the negative effects of workplace stress and are using various strategies to manage it, a Buck Consultants L.L.C. survey released Thursday concludes.
82% of the employers surveyed at the WorldatWork 2010 Total Rewards Conference & Exhibition in Dallas indicated
that their health care costs are “significantly or moderately impacted by worker stress,” the New York-based human resources consulting firm said in a statement.
About 80% said worker stress affects absenteeism, and 77% said it affects workplace safety.
In response to workplace stress, 66% of the employers have put at least four programs aimed at reducing stress in place, with employee assistance programs used most often. The survey noted other strategies, such as work-and-life balance support, on-site fitness centers and stress awareness campaigns.
The survey, which was conducted in May, had responses of 257 conference attendees representing 200 employers of various sizes and industries.
Paperless Comment: By the way, Japan, known for its innovations, decades ago implemented a stress relive tool: they placed a doll which was looking exactly as manager, right in front of manager’s desk. Each and every upset worker can hit the doll to drop the stress and continue its healthy and productive live.