Employee Wellness Programs: Stress Management

Stress continues to drive workers’ work-related health concerns, which is probably why most respondents (78%) in a recent survey claim they would take part in a Workplace Wellness Plan to help their overall health and wellness.

In a recent study commissioned by the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (AAOHN), 500 full-time workers nationwide were interviewed by phone.

“Today’s workers are clearly dealing with a lot of pressures such as the effects of 9/11, an unstable economy, national security threats and work/balance issues. There is a real opportunity for employers to serve as an ally to their workers by providing them with resources to better manage their physical and emotional health – anything from stress management seminars to nutrition and exercise counseling,” says Deborah V. DiBenedetto, president of AAOHN.

Nearly 80% of respondents believe their health would improve if they were offered the right information and tools through a viable Employee Wellness Program.

Topping the list of most interesting Employee Wellness Programs cited by workers is stress management (85%), closely followed by screening initiatives (84%), exercise/physical fitness initiatives (84%), medical insurance education (81%) and disease management seminars (80%).

More than half of workers (61%) would rather receive health and wellness information from a medical consultant or on-site nurse, compared to pamphlets or brochures (18%) or human resources staff (15%).