Benefits of Stress Reduction Programs
While stress cannot be eliminated from life, or even from the workplace, coping skills could be developed with relative ease. Stress management skills lead to lowered absenteeism and more effective, more productive staff.
Because stress has been shown to contribute to such physical conditions as ulcers, high blood pressure and stroke, stress reduction has a direct impact on improving physical health.
Studies have shown that heart patients who attend stress management programs have 42 percent lower health care costs. Other studies have documented a 50 percent reduction in medical services use when stress management programs are employed.
Furthermore, Staff Member Assistance Program (EAP) professionals estimate that 20 percent of any workforce is affected by personal problems that can influence work performance.
Stress reduction tactics to consider –
• Give on-site yoga or meditation classes.
• Organize support groups among personnel.
• Sponsor stress management courses during the workday.
• Provide an worker assistance program that includes both counseling and referral.
• Provide onsite counseling for employees in a work-related trauma, like the death of a colleague.
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