SIMPLE THINGS HELP EMPLOYEES MANAGE STRESS OF TAX SEASON

With April 15^th around the corner, the financial stress of tax season placed added pressure on many individuals, putting their physical and mental health at risk.  “It’s important for people to be aware of the pressures that peak during certain times of the year --- such as tax season --- and take proactive steps to prepare for and manage their stress,” says Oliver Williams, Administrative Director of Bensinger, DuPont & Associates, a national EAP firm.  “If left unchecked, research shows that financial stress leads to myriad health issues such as depression, sleep disorders, headaches, high blood pressure, and digestive and eating issues.”

According to a 2006 study by the American Psychological Association (APA), money is the #1 cause of stress for adults, with nearly 60% of people attributing their stress to money and work ---interrelated issues that are emphasized for many during the tax-filing season, says the APA. 

Helping workers find healthy ways to manage stress is vital to minimize its effect on absenteeism, productivity, and healthcare costs.  Williams suggests that even simple steps can make a substantial impact:

• Exercise:  Aerobic exercise, such as walking, jogging, swimming, or yoga at low to moderate intensity is a very effective way to reduce stress. 

• Laugh: Laughter reduces the level of stress hormones like cortisol, epinephrine, and adrenaline, and increases the level of health-enhancing hormones like endorphins.

• Meditation:  Just ten to twenty minutes of quiet reflection may bring relief from chronic stress as well as increase your tolerance to it. (Mental Health America). What’s more, 77% of individuals with high levels of stress were able to cool down, lower their blood pressure and cholesterol levels, simply by training themselves to stay calm.  (Health)

Some employees may need more than these types of stress management tips.  Providing these individuals with financial education via the company’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) helps employees address their situation during tax time and throughout the year.  “Financial related calls account for approximately 5% of EAP cases,” says Williams.  “Via one-on-one counseling with financial professionals, these employees gain the knowledge, guidance and tools to become more proactive with their money management, boosting their financial ---- not to mention physical and mental --- health. 

Bensinger DuPont & Associates is a privately owned professional services company that is dedicated to promoting healthy outcomes for employees, the workplace, individual and their families through a wide range of consultation, training and counseling services.

For additional information, Williams can be reached at 1-800-227-8620.

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