{"id":72670,"date":"2016-07-07T11:53:39","date_gmt":"2016-07-07T09:53:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/work-related-stress-under-the-spotlight-this-corporate-wellness-week\/"},"modified":"2016-07-07T11:53:39","modified_gmt":"2016-07-07T09:53:39","slug":"work-related-stress-under-the-spotlight-this-corporate-wellness-week","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/work-related-stress-under-the-spotlight-this-corporate-wellness-week\/","title":{"rendered":"Work-related stress under the spotlight this Corporate Wellness Week"},"content":{"rendered":"

Work-related stress under the spotlight this Corporate Wellness Week<\/a>: <\/p>\n

Episodes of occupational or work-related stress are a problem most people will encounter at some point in their professional lives. The effects of work stress, if it is not well managed, can spill over into one\u2019s home life and have the potential to negatively affect our loved ones.<\/p>\n

\u201cStress is not always a bad thing, and a reasonable level of stress can actually be healthy as it keeps one stimulated. Highly stressful conditions sustained over a long period affect individuals differently, but are generally regarded as unhealthy,\u201d says Dr Jacques Snyman, Director of Product Development at Agility Health.<\/p>\n

What is workplace stress? <\/strong><\/p>\n

Common sources of work-related stress include difficulties keeping up with workload, conflict with colleagues, and strains in family life that impact on work performance, among others. Lower-income workers face significant stress from financial pressures, especially those who are the sole breadwinners for their families.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople tend to feel the effects of stress in the workplace more acutely if they feel that they have very little scope for making decisions relating to their work, or no room to advance their ideas about how their work processes could be made more efficient,\u201d says Lizette Bester, Executive at Agility Corporate, an employee risk management company.<\/p>\n

High levels of stress are frequently associated with health conditions, such as high blood pressure, impaired immune system and insomnia, and may trigger certain psychological problems. The effects of stress can take their toll on anyone, but those with underlying health problems face even greater risk of incurring stress-related health problems.<\/p>\n

\u201cStress therefore presents a very real threat to individual health, as well as overall productivity, which has implications for employers\u2019 bottom-lines and the country\u2019s economy,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n

\u201cThrough education and healthy human resources practices, the workplace can be made into a less stressful experience. \u00a0Introducing wellness programmes that provide access to both health and wellness services can protect the employees and their ability to remain productive.<\/p>\n

Bester explains that employee assistance programmes (EAPs) can be as simple as access to counselling via a provider or more holistic by providing psycho-social, financial and legal counselling. These interventions may be complemented with wellness days, where health risks are assessed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe areas identified as being of concern during such wellness days can be followed up with education campaigns that are best structured to address specific employee needs, thereby helping to reduce absenteeism and increase productivity. This has a direct impact on the bottom line,\u201d Bester explains.<\/p>\n

Coping with stress<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cFortunately, there are some simple measures that employees can incorporate into their daily lives to help combat the negative effects of stress and help them to deal with the daily grind. Exercise is one of the best stress busters, as it provides a physical release for the stress hormones and stimulates the release of the feel-good endorphin hormones,\u201d says Dr Snyman.<\/p>\n

\u201cA balanced diet is also key to coping with stress and maintaining immune function. Whole grains, fresh vegetables and lean proteins will provide better nutritional support than refined carbohydrates and sugary treats. Remember that sugary and caffeinated drinks may provide a quick pick-me-up, but this is often followed by a fatigue \u2018crash\u2019,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood quality sleep is also vital to restoring balance and equilibrium. \u00a0Focusing on sound time management can also assist individuals in compartmentalising their tasks and focusing on the right things at the right time for optimum efficiency. \u00a0A systematic approach will help to address feelings of being overwhelmed and ultimately helps to reduce stress,\u201d Snyman concludes.<\/p>\n

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