Stress is one of the biggest health issues plaguing millions of Americans across in the country. According to a recent study from Aon Hewett which surveyed more than 2,800 employees, nearly half of respondents said their stress levels were high or overwhelming.

The survey also found that most stress is work-related, with four out of the top five causes of stress pertaining to job-related issues such as work changes, scheduling, relationships and job performance.

Stress can be destructive. With anxiety being a major contributing factor to other health problems, the overall well-being of employees is at risk if they are under too much pressure and studies have shown that job performance suffers. 51 percent of employees said they were less productive at work as a result of stress and more than half of the 550 million working days lost each year due to absenteeism were stress-related. Health care expenses were also impacted, as expenses were nearly 50 percent higher for workers who cited being under high levels of stress.

“Employees are increasingly feeling stressed by work-related pressures and this can often be destructive to health, productivity and performance,” said Kathleen Mahiew, leader of behavioral health consulting at Aon Hewett.

In recent years, more and more employers have implemented stress management programs. Although the number of programs in the United States is up 22 percent from 2010, only 3 percent of employees said they actually participate.

In order to manage employee stress and promote a healthy lifestyle and work environment, Aon Hewitt has compiled a three-step technique that agency managers can use to establish a workplace that is aware and supportive of employees' needs regarding stress. Agency employees will not only be happier, but agency managers will also benefit from the company's boosted morale.

Click through the following slides to find out more.

1. Investigate the Causes of Stress and Potential Solutions

Employers must recognize that stress does not come from the workplace alone. Outside stresses must be taken into account as family strains and other external factors can contribute to higher stress in the workplace, especially when combined with long hours and other work-related pressures.

Aon Hewitt suggests that employers gather feedback through surveys and focus groups in order to better understand the root causes of stress. Awareness of stress triggers both in and outside the workplace can help employers develop more comprehensive solutions for stress management that suit the needs of employees.

2. Encourage Employees to Take Advantage of Stress Reduction Resources

According to Aon Hewitt, employers should support employees in taking advantage of stress management programs offered by the company. Existing resources such as employee assistance programs and work life services can assist in relieving stress.

Initiatives that boost morale and encourage relaxation or physical activity are also effective for lowering employee stress levels. Aon suggests programs such as a “bring your pet to work day,” a scheduled work space clean-up day and meditation techniques for relaxation in order to help employees manage their stress in the work environment.

3. Promote Emotional Well-Being

According to the survey data, only 35 percent of employees believe their employer encourages them to take vacation time and only a quarter say that their employer supports flexible work arrangements.

Aon suggests that employers should encourage employees to take vacation and provide flexible hours for as many positions as possible. Employees that are well-rested and have lower levels of stress will ultimately perform better in the workplace.

Businesses can also support activities that promote camaraderie among employees and promote physical activity. Community walk/run events, company team-sports, and community volunteer plans are just some of the ways in which employers can help bring their employees together while assisting in stress management.

The implementation of healthy stress management techniques and a strong emphasis on communication can benefit employers and employees. Employees who can manage their stress will perform better in the workplace, allowing the employers to reap the benefits of a balanced and healthful work environment.

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3 Tips for Approaching Stress in the Workplace

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