In all of the years I’ve spent working in the wellness industry the one topic that comes up more frequently than any other is stress. In particular, how employers can help their employees better manage their stress. And I have to admit, while it comes up a lot this is a tough one to address for a couple of reasons—1. most issues affecting stress levels are complex, and 2. how we deal with stress is intensely personal.
While stress is complex and personal, too much stress is detrimental for anyone. Stress can affect all aspects of a person’s life—emotions, behaviors, cognitive ability, and physical health. Stress can manifest itself in symptoms such as low energy, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, aches and pains, insomnia, frequent colds and infections, constant worry, forgetfulness, and an inability to focus. And that’s not the entirety of symptoms. Furthermore, stress can lead to unhealthy behaviors including not eating or overeating, procrastination, avoidance of responsibilities, and use of alcohol or other drugs.
According to the American Psychological Association’s 2013 annual Stress in America™ survey, the average stress level for adults is 5.1 on a 10-point scale. While 61% of adults report that stress management is very or extremely important to them, it doesn’t appear many are making time for it. Nearly half of adults report only setting aside a few times per month for stress relief. Another 10% report not doing anything to manage their stress levels.
For those who are trying to manage their stress, less than half exercise or walk (43%). The majority turns to sedentary activities such as surfing the internet, watching television, and playing video games. However, 62% of those who exercise or engage in physical activity say that it is effective at relieving stress versus 30% of those turning to screen time. The most commonly mentioned sources of stress for adults were financial (71%), work (69%), and the economy (59%). According to the survey, America has a culture of unhealthy stress, which doesn’t seem to be improving.
This brings me back to the question I get asked frequently by employers—What can we do to help employees better manage stress?
While I stand by my statement that stress is complex and personal, there are some things that employers may want to consider to foster an environment that’s more supportive and doesn’t, dare I say, add to the stress.
- Consider offering flex-time. Your employees who are caregivers often suffer additional stress that may be helped by the availability to “flex” their time to care for children or adult family members. Those who aren’t will also appreciate having this option.
- Provide and promote Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services. In addition to counseling services, many EAPs provide financial services.
- Offer stress-reducing wellness activities such as onsite fitness classes and massage therapy.
- Encourage employees to take breaks during the work day to walk, stretch, and just “get away”.
- Offer healthy snacks to give employees an alternative to the junk food often found in vending machines.
- Encourage employees to unplug! Being constantly connected to email and social media often adds to stress levels.
What are you doing (or what are you going to do) to help your employees manage stress?
