In the juggling act of family, work and recreation, many Americans are
choosing to drop the fun and focus their energy on caring for family
and being successful at work. A new poll released by Workplace Options
revealed that 72 percent of surveyed employees find their job stressful
and approximately one in five have noticed difficulty in performing
work duties because of a decrease in their overall wellness. Wellness
practices like exercise and fitness are most likely to keep employees
balanced and on track – offering an outlet for stress from other
parts of life.
The Workplace Options survey also found that approximately one in three
employees are exercising less than they were six months ago, with 37
percent having to cut back on wellness spending, such as fees for
health clubs, yoga and exercise classes. Adding to that, one in five
has seen an increase in unhealthy behaviors such as smoking or drinking
alcohol and 29 percent have had greater difficulty sleeping. This
information hints that some workers may be subconsciously experiencing
the stress placed on them in the workplace and at home – a
possibility that employers should be attuned to and prepared to handle.
Even eating habits are suffering due to stress, although some purveyors
of products are reaping the benefits of this trend. Of the workers who
reported feeling stressed by their jobs, 79 percent also said they are
spending less on a healthy diet. At the same time, Hershey Co., the
nation?s second-largest candy maker, saw profits surge 20 percent in
the first quarter of 2009. Kraft Foods Inc., also experienced
double-digit growth in macaroni and cheese dinners, a staple comfort
food for many Americans.
“It’s not surprising that so many employees – seven
in 10 – are beginning to feel the burden of the current economic
situation,” said Dean Debnam, chief executive officer for
Workplace Options. “Employees are generally satisfied with their
jobs, many perhaps because they just feel lucky to have one, but are
feeling the pressure to deliver value, which is manifesting itself in
other aspects of their lives. To help these people stay on top of their
game, employers should provide outlets and options to help them
cope.”
According to the poll 78 percent of employees see employer-sponsored
offerings of wellness programs to control weight, stop smoking, get
fit, etc., as important, and another 70 percent say they would take
advantage of a wellness coach if offered by their employer. As
employees lose focus on their personal health and wellness, some
companies are beginning to offer on-site yoga classes or weight loss
programs to encourage employees to take time for themselves and not let
these fall to the wayside. A 2008 study released by the American
Institute for Preventive Medicine found just 62 percent of all
companies - small to medium to large - offer some type of wellness
program.
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