Report shows workers would welcome employers' help in dealing with stress

Dallas – Workers want their employers to offer assistance in coping with work-related stress, according to a new report from the American Heart Association’s CEO Roundtable.

Researchers from AHA’s Center for Workplace Health Research and Evaluation used three methods to gauge employee perception of stress and resilience programs, as well as program effectiveness: data from existing studies, a Harris Poll online survey of 1,001 adults who work at organizations with at least 25 employees that offer a health plan, and four case studies of employers that offer resilience programs.

In the Harris Poll results, more than three-quarters of employees said they consider resiliency programs at least somewhat valuable, but only 25 percent said their employers offer them. Results also show that of the workers whose employers offer a resilience program, 80 percent reported using the programs, and 73 percent said their health improved as a result.

Other findings from the report:

• Employees think more highly of employers that offer resiliency programs.
• Highly valued programs include methods for dealing with difficult people, improving physical health, remaining calm under pressure, coping with work-related stress and accurately identifying the causes of work-related problems.

AHA notes that routine stress, including long hours and job strain, can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and depression.

“As employers are broadening their wellness programs to encompass well-being, this paper provides actionable strategies for effective workplace resilience programs,” Kathy Gerwig, vice president for employee safety, health and wellness and environmental stewardship officer at Kaiser Permanente and a member of the CEO Roundtable, said in an Oct. 11 press release.