Can you guess what the No. 1 cause of stress is? If you said "work," take the afternoon off and go have some fun. Yes, according to a poll conducted by the London-based Harris Research Centre, the No. 1 cause of stress in the US and around the world is our jobs. In addition to work, worries about money, family, relationships, and moving or changing jobs were also cited as sources for stress.

When asked how they managed their stress, the 1,000 office workers polled responded as follows:

• 81% talk/joke with co-workers
• 68% take coffee breaks
• 50% stop for a soft drink
• 30% walk or exercise
• 27% take a smoke break
• 27% take a snack break
• 5% admitted drinking alcohol at lunchtime

The survey concluded that the main cause of stress is overwork: 50% of the office workers reported they are either too busy or have too fee staff. About 1/3 of the respondents said they would not choose the same career again if they had the chance.

So what does all this mean for your business? In addition to concerns about productivity, employee stability, absenteeism and ill health, there is also concern for an abuse of workers compensation and potential for increased legal costs.

According to an article written by Janet Douglas, a principal with InteraComp, Inc., published in the Spring, 1995 issue of Compensation & Benefits Management, as companies continue to downsize, merge or acquire "they engage in behavior that is disruptive or threatening to employees." This disruption results in a variety of behaviors from employees. Some may be distracted and not fully focused on their work, inviting accidents. Others may seek medical attention for conditions they would not have previously been concerned with, because they fear if they wait they may not be covered by workers’ compensation. Still other employees file on questionable injuries on the grounds that workers’ compensation pays better than unemployment.

So what’s the next step? What can an employer do to assist employees, be proactive with absenteeism and productivity, and reduce the risks of stress-related injuries and lawsuits? Suggested steps include:

• Employers should demonstrate that they are aware of, and are proactive with potentially stressful situations
• Initiate procedures for situations related to stress, similar to addressing on-the-job physical injuries
• Educate employees on ways to properly identify and handle stress by providing stress management training
• Offer an Employee Assistance Program or confidential counseling
• Perform a stress audit of the organization to help identify areas of concern
• Advertise the availability of community assistance such as First Call for Help, a United Way service
• Promote good housekeeping – research shows that neatness, a sense of pride and cleanliness are associated with low injury rates

A stress-free workplace is in everyone’s best interest.

© Debbie King, Evolution Management, Inc.  All Rights Reserved.