Employee Wellness Programs: Stress Management

Stress continues to drive employees’ work-related health concerns, which is probably why most  respondents (78%) in a recent survey claim they would take part in a Company Health and Wellness  Program to help their overall health and wellness.

In a recent research study commissioned by the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc.  (AAOHN), 500 full-time employees nationwide were interviewed telephonically.

“Today’s employees are clearly dealing with a lot of pressures such as the effects of 9/11, an unstable  economy, national security threats and work/balance issues. There is a real opportunity for  corporations to serve as an ally to their employees by offering them with resources to better manage  their physical and emotional health – anything from stress management seminars to nutrition and  physical fitness counseling,” says Deborah V. DiBenedetto, president of AAOHN.

Nearly 80% of respondents believe their health would improve if they were offered the right information  and tools through a viable Employee Wellness Program.

Topping the list of most interesting Employee Wellness Programs cited by employees is stress management  (85%), closely followed by testing initiatives (84%), exercise/physical fitness initiatives (84%),  medical insurance education (81%) and disease management seminars (80%).

More than half of employees (61%) would rather receive health and wellness information from a health  care consultant or on-site nurse, compared to pamphlets or brochures (18%) or human resources staff  (15%).