No one works well under adverse conditions .
It ’ s important to create an environment wherein employees are provided the tools to help them manage stress as well as avoid work-related injuries .
“ With rising medical costs , not only for individuals but also for companies , employers should take a preventative approach toward creating a healthy workplace ,” says Shane Evans , president and founder of Massage Heights Corporate LLC , a day spa franchise company with headquarters based in San Antonio , Texas .
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ), productivity losses due to absenteeism cost employers US $ 225.8 billion annually in the United States ( or US $ 1,685 per employee ). Based on the Labour Force Survey in the United Kingdom , stress accounted for 37 percent of all workrelated ill health cases and 45 percent of all working days lost due to poor health in 2015 and 2016 . The study further indicated that employees in public service industries ( such as health-care workers ) show higher levels for stress compared to all other occupations .
The findings highlight a great need for providing a safe workplace in a spa environment , where employees are expected to genuinely care for guests . “ The spa specifically is a place of healing , relaxation and rejuvenation , so we put processes in place to ensure the wellbeing and health of not only our guests , but our employees too ,” says Jacquee Thompson , spa manager at SiSpa at Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa in Pompano Beach , Florida .
STRESSED OUT While it ’ s unlikely to completely remove stress factors at work , it can be reduced by providing employees the resources and support they need , especially during stressful times . “ The biggest symptom is disengagement in the workplace . This shows up in absenteeism , lack of focus , and agitation with co-workers and supervisors ,” says Jean Kolb , owner of Jean Kolb Well By Choice , LLC . “ You can ’ t function at your highest performance when you are mentally or emotionally stressed . Business owners have to recognize the symptoms early so they can be addressed prior to an employee becoming disengaged .”
According to TouchAmerica Inc . CEO Stewart Griffith , a few of the symptoms of a stressed-out employee include reduced productivity , high irritability , increased
Staff well-being is top priority at SiSpa at Fort Lauderdale Marriott .
Targeted treatments aren ’ t just for your guests . Massage Heights invites their therapists to indulge in regular massage to relieve tension and avoid injury .
January / February 2017 ■ PULSE 37