Workplace Stress
November 24, 2008
Accordiing to Northwestern National Life, “One-fourth of employees view their jobs as the number one stressor in their lives.” The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) summarize job stress as “…when the requirements of the job do not match capabilities, resources or needs of the worker”. Stress solutions are numerous, however the NIOSH has been able to concisely summarize those solutions. Teleworking solutions are fast becoming a viable choice to reduce stress for both employer and employee.
Here are some fundamental stress solutions as outlined by NIOSH:
Strive to create balance in between work life and family life
A support system that includes co-workers as well as friends
Striving to maintain a relaxed and positive outlook
NIOSH also lists the early warning signs of stress as being:
Headaches
Sleep problems
Having trouble concentrating
Short temper
Upset stomach
Dissatisfied with job
Morale that’s Low
NIOSH has listed a summary of items to help Prevent Job Stress:
Building awareness of Job stress, such as the causes, the costs, and possible solutions Having top management committed to supporting programs that solve stress issues
Allowing the employee to be involved in stress solution programs
Using Job Stress Consultants or hold in-office training
Solving the work related stress issues of today must involve thinking outside the box. Some companies have already started seeking solutions by implementing flexible work programs for their employees, such as teleworking options. As per the Telework Coalition, more than 22.2 million americans Teleworked in 2005, meaning they worked at home or other location away from the office.
According to “Commuting in America” a study for the National Academies, based mostly on census data, telecommuting, or working from home, is one of the fastest growing trends. The author of the report believes it will only increase in the future.
Fascinating statistics from the July 2006 Hudson Highland Group:
23% of workers work at home or are given the choice
59% believe “part-time” teleworking is an appealing work situation
(includes 38% who think having the choice to come into to the office or work from home is ideal, and 21% who say the best option is working at home)
73% rarely or never get work done during their commute
(despite technology permitting employees to work when heading
to and from work)
Productivity tools such as implementing Remote PC Access, Online Meetings, or Computer Phone Calling, are practical options available to employers and employees so who want to structure optional work-at-home programs. Companies must then learn to manage virtual workforces and utilize technology tools necessary for employees to stay connected. To summarize, in 2005 44% of US Companies offered some type of telecommuting option, which was up from 32% in 2001. The International Telework Association and Council (ITAC), estimates that there will be over 40 million teleworkers in the US by 2010. It’s safe to say that practical job solutions for work stress will involve the use of teleworking tools.