Importance Of Stress Management

As schedules become more and more hectic, and it feels like the 9-5 has turned into the 7-6, with a never-ending work-load. Having such a busy lifestyle causes one to feel as though they need to be working more quickly and efficiently than every before. However many people do not pay attention to how much stress this lifestyle is putting on their bodies, and how in the long run this truly affects their health.

Employers are all worried about increasing health care costs, yet many are not aware that one of the main causes of that cost is stress. Every year stress accounts for over 90% of all doctor's visits. In addition companies pay out billions of dollars annually in health care costs that are due to stress. Furthermore, half of all sick days taken are due to stress, also resulting in millions of dollars of lost productivity.

In addition, if stress is not dealt with properly it can  lead to a condition known as presenteesim. This means that while employees are able to show up to work, they are unable to be efficient and productive. Such presenteeism leads to almost 100 billion dollars in lost productivity annually.

Seeing such statictics it is clear that stress in the workplace needs to be dealt with head on. For if employees are able to work in a “de-stressed” capacity, they are healthier and more productive. This in turn costs the company less money. There are many different approaches that a company can take within a corporate wellness program in order to address the issues of stress management.

One option that is effective is providing seminars on stress management. Topics for such seminars can include time management, breathing and movement exercises, and even posture correction strategies. Stress is best dealt with if both mental and physical stresses are taken care of.

There are also group meditation or yoga classes that will provide both the mental and physical release that is necessary for a productive workforce. The time spent in such a manner will again address both physical and mental stress, and in turn decrease sickness since employees will not be holding stress in their minds and bodies.

Another option that is highly beneficial is corporate chair massage. This option also helps prevent workplace injury. A corporate wellness program can bring massage therapists in that will work on employees  to release their stressed areas. Releasing stress that is due to chronic movement will also lessen chances of workplace injury and so will cut worker's compensation claim costs. Your employees will feel better, and so your company will do better!

Therefore, dealing with stress is essential for an efficient, effective workplace. This silent menace can often times be difficult to detect on an individual employee level. However if a strong framework of stress management is put into place, employees will have resources to ensure their stress does not cause employer health insurance costs to sky rocket!