Blog Post: The Stress Factor - Can Employers Really Reduce Workplace Stress?

52% of employees have considered looking for a new job, quit their job, declined a promotion, or didn’t seek advancement because of stress (according to a 2007 survey by the American Psychological Association).  Additionally, 55% cited they were unproductive as a result of stress. 

While a certain amount of work-related stress is normal, and even positive (when it comes to meeting a deadline, hitting goals etc); chronic work stress becomes a problem for both employee and employer.  In fact, workplace stress is estimated to cost American companies more than $300 billion a year in poor performance, absenteeism and health costs. 

But what can managers and employers really do to reduce stress at work?

Two things: use an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and implement organizational change.  The EAP provides stress management and reduction trainings for the entire workforce; and provides employees with confidential counseling and referral services to help them deal with stress on a more personal basis. 

But the EAP is just one part of the solution.  To get to the root of work-stress, employers may have to look inward and take proactive steps towards organizational change.  While no job is entirely stress free (nor should it be); chronic stress can be reduced when a business/employer makes the health and well-being of its workforce a corporate priority woven into all business practices.  Whether it’s building better communication, engaging employees at all levels, offering rewards and incentives, or just fostering a more positive work environment – a few organizational changes can get to the root cause of work stress, and ultimately impact that all-important bottom-line.       

ACI Specialty Benefits Corporation is a global provider of EAP, Wellness, Work/Life, Concierge, and Management Consulting Services. Ranked #8 in the country by Business Insurance, ACI's stability and reliability are widely recognized. For more information visit www.acispecialtybenefits.com.