This report presents data describing the significance of the problem, three alternative solutions, and a recommendation based on my investigation.
Significance of the Problem: Health Care and Productivity Loss
Employees who are highly stressed become unproductive to any organization. The following points show the effects of stress for the workers and for the organization.
• Absenteeism and tardiness is higher in stressed employees.(Anderson, P., &Pulich M. 2001)
• Deterioration in work productivity by more than 50 percent in stressed employees.
• Inadequate eating habits and increased smoking in stressed employees.
• Higher medical and insurance costs in stressed employees.
Although our stress management techniques have helped the employees to focus better, they are still affected by stress on a large scale. The rapid rise of our organization has caused more stress to the employees. Other companies have been more active in curbing employee stress. Many companies have found that reducing employee stress has a huge impact on a company’s performance and costs. Below is a discussion of three common stress reducing measures tried by other companies, along with a projected cost factor for each.
Alternative 1: Internal Social Groups
Studies suggest that social groups help employees relieve stress at the workplace itself. The employees are also able to take the load off themselves in these sessions, resulting in better coping of the work. This could also serve as an opportunity where the employees can give both positive and negative feedback on the work. Encouraging connections among co-workers also reduces stress because having social support reduces the negative effects of stressful situations. (David Lee, 2012)
Cost: Negligible
Alternative 2: Meditation Workshops
The easiest methods of stress reduction are meditation and yoga programs. These programs help to relax the body, clear the mind, and reducestress. They also increase work productivity and generate a positive attitude in employees (Employee Stress n.d.). Companies who implemented these techniques had increased productivity in their employees. However, a disadvantage of this program is that one hour of work time is lost every day for all the employees.
Cost: $850 per employee, three-month individual program for one hour thrice a week
$550 per employee, three-month group program
Alternative 3: Stress Management Workshops
Many organizations hire professional stress management companies who come to the company and counsel the employees. Through counseling, employees can develop their strengths and eliminate weaknessesas they develop strategies for increasing their productivity (Employee Stress n.d.). Companies who used their services claim to have better performance from their staff. However, employees claim that the beneficial effects of stress management workshops are often short-lived (Chughtai-Harvey, 2006).
Cost: $300 per participant (Standard fee)
One time cost of $1500 for a group. (One day Workshop)
Conclusions and Recommendation
Employees who are stressed require professional counseling and assistance to help them cope with their work in an organization. Evidently corporate stress management workshops are more effective then meditation and support groups. Our aim is to reduce employee absenteeism and boost performance with the employees leading a healthy life; hence, stress management could help us fulfill our goal. Regular counseling could also solve the problem of the beneficial effects being short lived.