Workplace Stress

Could workplace stress be partially blamed for rising healthcare costs?

News - Workplace Stress

Thursday, 25 August 2011 16:00

Researchers at Concordia University conducted a study based on nationally representative data of workers aged 18 to 65 and found significant correlations between workplace stress, illness and healthcare costs in Canada. 

They discovered that workers in high-stress positions are more likely to visit doctors and medical specialists for mental and physical conditions than their counterparts that experience less workplace stress.

In fact, the researchers estimated that healthcare appointments are up by about 26 percent for employees who experience anxiety as a result of their profession.

Authors of the study theorized that this effect may be due to the harm that stress can cause on the immune system, as well as the lifestyle habits that it can influence.

"Numerous studies have linked stress to back pain, colorectal cancer, infectious disease, heart problems, headaches and diabetes. Job stress may also heighten risky behaviours such as smoking, drug and alcohol abuse, discourage healthy behaviours such as physical activity, proper diet and increase consumption of fatty and sweet foods," said co-author Mesbah Sharaf.

In an analysis of the healthcare costs that may be stemming from workplace stress, the researchers examined data from U.S. employees. Authors cited findings that 70 percent of Americans report that their job is a major source of stress, and 51 percent said they believe their anxiety reduces productivity.

"It is estimated that healthcare utilization induced by stress costs U.S. companies $68 billion annually and reduces their profits by 10 percent," said Sharaf.

As a result, the study authors said that it may be reasonable to conclude that reducing workplace stress could be an effective strategy to lower healthcare costs nationwide.

First author Sunday Azagba said that improving working conditions and providing education on tools and resources for stress management may help keep employee benefit costs low. Additionally, reducing tension and anxiety among workers may strengthen employee performance, cut down on absenteeism and even help organizations retain staff members.

The researchers used data from the Canadian National Population Health Survey, which included workers in the mechanical, trade, professional, managerial, health, service and agricultural sectors. The scientists examined the participants' frequency of healthcare visits, chronic illnesses, marital status and income level, as well as smoking and drinking habits in order to reach their conclusions.  

Tips for workers on the brink of burnout

News - Workplace Stress

Wednesday, 24 August 2011 16:00

There are several types of employees that experience job burnout, from the under-challenged to the overworked.

The Mayo Clinic reports that a burned out worker may also be excessively stressed, fatigued, depressed or anxious, as well as have trouble sleeping or develop substance abuse problems.

The medical source recommended identifying and targeting the root of burnout in order to address feelings of disengagement. Additionally, evaluating concerns with a supervisor may help both parties come to a solution or compromise that could alleviate workplace stress.

An article in FYI Living reports that employees who are prone to burnout should build a good relationship with their boss.

Telecommuting may also help break up the monotony of the workweek, or provide a much-needed break from stressful co-workers, according to the news source.

FYI Living also recommended that employees adorn their workspace with photos of family, friends and nature to help make a positive impact and provide some inspiration.

Additionally, employee wellness programs that provide tools and resources for stress management have been shown to effectively reduce workplace stress and strengthen employee performance.  

Certain personality traits may intensify workplace stress

News - Workplace Stress

Wednesday, 24 August 2011 16:00

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Tension and anxiety in the office are difficult enough to reduce without staff members' and managers' negative attitudes. Every workplace has one of these individuals, who take a bad situation and makes it worse.

The Seattle Times recently reported that there are ways to identify people who tend to suck the positivity out of a room.

First, they often dwell on bad news, according to the news source. Moreover, it can be difficult to cheer them up with solutions or motivational words.

Additionally, problems tend to snowball for these individuals, becoming insurmountable issues that another person may have nipped in the bud, according to the Times.

An article in Psych Central reports that stress and personality are inextricably linked to how a situation is handled. For instance, when confronted with an issue, the person who tells themselves that it is manageable is much more likely to succeed in solving the problem than the worker who has an intense negative reaction.

While it may not be a viable option to let go of these workers, they may be helped with employee wellness programs that provide tools and resources for stress management. Such initiatives have been shown to reduce workplace stress as well as improve employee performance.  

Smoking cigarettes is sometimes a response to stress

News - Workplace Stress

Tuesday, 23 August 2011 16:00

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A recent Gallup poll reveals that smokers, now more than ever, agree that the habit is "very harmful" to their health, suggesting that many may have a desire to stop their life-threatening habit but don't know how.

About two thirds of smokers surveyed admitted that they are putting themselves at risk of lung cancer and cardiovascular disease.

The Cleveland Clinic reports that many people smoke because they believe that it helps relieve stress. While having a cigarette may temporarily alleviate tension, it's doing the opposite in the long run.

"Blood pressure rises, heart rate increases, muscles become tense, blood vessels constrict, and less oxygen is available to the brain and body to facilitate healthy coping. In short, smoking increases the stress level on the body," the health source reported on its website.

Additionally, the Cleveland Clinic recommends beginning a cessation program right away to curb the harmful effects of tobacco smoke, and that waiting for a "stress-free" time in life is not a viable option.

Employers who notice that their workers take frequent cigarette breaks may have a particularly stressed-out staff on their hands. Employee wellness programs that provide tools and resources for stress management may provide workers with a healthy outlet for tension and anxiety.