Work-related stress has been defined by the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety as emotional and harmful responses occurring when job requirements don't match a worker's resources, needs, or capabilities. Some employers still don't take work-related stress very seriously, but the statistics speak for themselves.
- Annual work-related stress claims cost U.S. companies $200 to $300 billion dollars according to the American Institute of Stress.
- Stress results in an array of secondary mental/physical illnesses and direct physical injuries, which directly affects health care costs. One study published by The Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine suggested health care administering costs were twice as high for workers claiming job-related stress.
- Work-related stress claims last about four times longer, at an average of 23 days, than the average days lost from nonfatal occupational illnesses and injuries according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
To combat the affects of work-related stress that lead to work comp claims in Alsip, employers need to know what causes it in the first place. According to the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety, the most common reasons for work-related stress are as follows:
- Poorly designed jobs and tasks from heavy workloads; shift work; long working hours; infrequent or insufficient work breaks; and tasks that don't have inherent meaning, fully utilize the worker's skills, or don't provide enough sense of control for the employee.
- Job roles, expectations, and responsibilities that are broadly defined, vague, conflicting, or unclear.
- Insufficient interpersonal relationships from a lack of help or support from managers, supervisors, and/or coworkers or a poor social environment.
- Poor management style from failing to communicate or failing to encourage worker participation in the decision making processes.
- Career concerns from being unprepared or under-prepared for sudden changes, insufficient opportunities to advance, or a lack of job security.
- Poor environmental conditions from poor ergonomics, air pollution, noise levels, or otherwise dangerous or unpleasant working environments.
Once it's clear what causes work-related stress, employers can take steps to help reduce it. Here are several practical ways that employers can help reduce the stress levels of the employees behind their business.
1. Make improvements to employee communications.
- The goal is to make employees know they're involved and valued. One of the best ways to do this is by asking employees for feedback on management decisions and plans.
2. Provide employees with a better sense of control.
- Within responsible and reasonable limits, employers should give employees independence in the day-to-day operations of their job.
3. Never label employees.
- Employees should be free to express their frustrations, concerns, and complaints without fear of being labeled or retaliated against by management.
4. Keep employees apprised.
- Uncertainty can be eliminated by simply apprising employees about upcoming changes and what these changes will mean for them.
5. Reduce any excessive workloads.
- Make sure that employees aren't overloaded beyond their abilities by spreading workloads out.
6. Have clear role definitions.
- Make sure that all employees have a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of their position.
7. Have realistic work schedules.
- Be as flexible and approachable as possible. Also, remember to consider extenuating circumstances.
8. Give value to the skills of employees.
- Job designs should stimulate employees, give meaning to them, and incorporate as many of their skills as possible. Also, remember to offer opportunities like advancement and cross-training and to always treat employees as highly-valued assets.
9. Provide socialization opportunities.
- Venues for socialization can include anything from team sports to company picnics and parties.
A greater number of work-related illness and injury claims and higher employee absenteeism are just a couple of examples of the many ways work-related stress can impact a business. The good news is that these areas can be improved by implementing some relatively simple stress-relieving measures.
If you have questions or concerns on this issue, do not hesitate to call Zeiler Insurance and speak to one of our customer service representatives. As an independent agency, Zeiler Insurance prides itself with quality customer service for the people of the Chicago-land area and the rest of the Midwest. Customer or not, we can review your insurance and see if you are being protected appropriately for the right price.
Karli
karli@zeiler.com
708.597.5900 x130
www.zeiler.com