Low-Cost Workplace Wellness Strategies: Stress Management Programs

Anthem’s 2018 National Health Benefits Statistics & Trends Report tells us that employers are trying to motivate employees to take steps toward living a healthier lifestyle. In doing so, they are figuring out low-cost ways to incentivize them. As of 2017, 74 percent of employers were offering incentives including stress management programs. For these types of programs, most employers (48 percent) offer incentives that reward employees for participation.

Sure, eliminating stress in the workplace completely isn’t possible, but stress management in the workplace is very valuable for a number of reasons. Most importantly, excessive stress can have major effects on the body. According to Healthline, chronic stress can really affect overall well-being. Symptoms include anxiety, depression, headaches, insomnia and irritability. If these symptoms carry over into the workplace, it negatively impacts employees and their ability to concentrate, stay engaged and make decisions. This then translates to higher staff turnover, lower productivity, more missed days, workers’ compensation claims and other stress-related expenses.

Creating a stress-free work environment has many benefits. First, and most importantly, it shows employees that you care and aids in building a better, stronger company culture.  A focus on stress-free work environments also helps with employee acquisition and retention. According to Deloitte’s Global Human Capital Trends survey, 82 percent of respondents feel that company culture is a “potential competitive advantage.” If employees are happier and healthier, they will be more productive, excited and engaged.

Here are a few ideas for employers for helping to reduce stress in the workplace:

• Survey your employees to get their input on what is stressing them out about work and to also gauge interest in a stress management program. Incorporating this feedback into your stress management program will help increase buy-in.
• Provide employees with stress management resources such as books, brochures, guides and videos. You can also take it a step further by offering a stress management training course.
• Exercise is shown to reduce stress. Encourage employees to get active and participate in physical activity and weight management programs that are offered through your company or outside of work. You can use rewards and incentives to encourage participation.

By considering the strategies above, you can implement low-cost wellness activities at your workplace. For help setting up a stress management program, contact Rose & Kiernan, Inc.

Rose & Kiernan, Inc. offers workplace wellness support through our signature platform RKHealthy Workforce. If you are interested in learning more, please contact us here or by calling (800) 242-4433.