Risk & Business Magazine Walsh Duffield Companies Fall 2016 | Page 28

WORKPLACE STRESS How To Reduce Workplace Stress Increasing Productivity S tress in the workplace costs US employers approximately $200 billion annually due to absenteeism, decreased productivity, medical insurance claims, staff turnover, and workers’ compensation claims. For more than half of Americans, stress is a major factor that is negatively impacting their lives, especially their health and well-being. This can be seen in rising health care costs due to stress-related illness. Stress has been linked to poor sleep habits and an increased risk of injury on the job, not to mention poor worker productivity. A healthy workforce is more productive, resulting in fewer claims and lower health insurance premiums. Here are a few great ways to reduce stress and increase productivity: MEDITATION Encourage your employees to take a few minutes to close their eyes and breathe deeply. Focusing on their breathing even just for a few minutes can improve their focus once they return to work. The benefits of meditation have been outlined hundreds of times, but they primarily boil down to increased mental focus, better 28 | FALL 2016 emotional health, and stress reduction. STRETCHING Teach your employees some simple stretches that can be performed at their desks or small workspaces. Stretching has been shown to reduce back and neck pain and injury. Many people spend most of their work day sitting down. Sitting places excess pressure on the spine and can lead to both spinal compression and pain if it goes unchecked for long periods. Stretching is useful in alleviating that pressure. WALKING Promote walking at lunch. Getting outside and exercising for a few minutes during the middle of the day will improve both health and energy levels. Walking has been shown to trigger endorphin release in the body, which can promote relaxation and help relieve pain. TAKING A BREAK Encourage employees to look away from their computer as eye strain and fatigue can contribute greatly to a decrease in worker productivity. Promote taking a break from the computer screen for a few minutes every hour. USE A STANDING DESK While this is not always an option for some workers, standing desks are becoming commonplace in the workforce. Sitting for long periods can be detrimental to the body and can contribute to stress and health issues over time. Using a standing desk avoids these issues by promoting healthy spines and improving circulation. + BY: SARAH WILLER, MS, WELLNESS COORDINATOR, WALSH DUFFIELD, [email protected], 716-362-7388 Sarah is Walsh Duffield’s newest wellness coordinator, who focuses on consulting with clients on their internal wellness programs. She holds her BS/MS in Dietetics