Depression in the workplaceOf the 19 million Americans diagnosed with depression, about 70% are in the work force. According to various reports, between 5-10% of the US labor force suffers from depression. This comes at a cost to both the victims of depression, as well as to their employers.
What is Stress and Why is it Hazardous?While we have all, undoubtedly complained about our stress levels "going through the roof" on several occasions, do we actually know what stress can do to our bodies and what we can do to manage stress at the workplace?
Smokers Have a DisabilityHeavily addicted smokers have a disability that must be accomodated, arbitrator rules.
Electronically Transmitted Health Information-it's a matter of privacyThe US. Dept of Health & Human Services proposed ruled on the privacy of electronically stored information. This will affect all companies with health care plans.
Affirmative Action RegulationsThe DOL´s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) proposed revisions to the affirmative action regulations were published in the Federal Register on May 4th.
The Mental Health Parity Act of 1996The United States General Accounting Office (GAO) released testimony presented to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.
How to Get Things Done - In Spite Of YourselfHere are some techniques to help procrastinators get moving and to stay on track.
Auto Makers Extend Health-Care Benefits to Same-Sex Domestic PartnersTo qualify for coverage the employee must have a same-sex partner over 18 years of age and have cohabited for over six months.
Recognizing Workplace Alcohol ProblemsAlcohol problems are the single most significant health problem affecting the North American work place.
Dealing with the Death of an EmployeeThere is nothing as inevitable as death. Yet, we still struggle with our emotions and are concerned about our actions when faced with the death of people we know.
Small Business Cannot Afford an Increase in Health Care CostsAn increase in health insurance premiums would force many small businesses in the United States to stop paying health care coverage for their employees.
PC Compliance SuiteOccupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) covers much more than keeping track of job safety and health hazards. Does your OSHA management system meet all of your H&S concerns? Check out the PC Compliance Suite for a complete solution.
Death on the JobThe total number of fatal work injuries was 6,023.
Lifescape.comHR.com has decided to take an analytical look at a new on-line source for behavioural health called lifescape.com. By offering companies the chance to read an independent evaluation of the website, this HR.com product review will provide a guideline of its features and limitations so that the value of lifescape.com might be seen.
Health Insurance-Employer Premiums are up, but so is Coverage!Employers pointed to high spending for prescription drugs as the chief cause of premium increases.
Dilemmas of Drug Testing: The Significance of Testing Modalities (Urine, Hair, Saliva and Electronic Measurement) in Employee Drug TestingThis article will focus on the employer''s choices in drug test modality, and the strengths and weaknesses of each approach to testing.
RodaleOnlineHealth.comHave you heard of the magazine´s Men´s Health, Prevention, Runners, or Bicycling? They´re all published by Rodale. Now, Rodale has gone online to provide information on self-managed health and fitnes. Check out HR.com´s review.
Mental Health and Work in the Global EconomyThe theme for World Mental Health Day for the next two years -- October 10th, 2000 and 2001, will be Mental Health and Work.
Stress ManagerMany employers claim that having some sort of spirituality program at work actually helps with employee productivity and effectiveness. Based on the fundamentals of Internal Yoga, the StressManager from AwarenessTools.com can be used as an informative yet entertaining way of letting employees relieve some of the stress from their daily lives and to learn to balance their personal and professional lives.
Abusive Supervisors and Emotional DistressIf you have an abusive supervisor, fire him. Good employees are hard enough to retain without forcing them to quit. Just be aware that, in light of this Texas case, there may be even more incentive to get rid of supervisors who lead by terror. the FLSA. The cost to the company of a Department of Labor audit or an FLSA lawsuit can be devastating.
What Are Anxiety Disorders?Most people experience feelings of anxiety before an important event such as a big exam, business presentation or first date. Anxiety disorders, however, are illnesses that cause people to feel frightened, distressed and uneasy for no apparent reason. Left untreated, these disorders can dramatically reduce productivity and significantly diminish an individual''s quality of life. Fortunately, there are effective treatments that can help.
What Are Phobias?Phobias are persistent, irrational fears of certain objects or situations. A person who has a phobia is often so overwhelmed by their anxiety that they go to great lengths to avoid the feared object or situation. Nearly 5% of the nation''s population are affected by phobias.
What is Depression?Everyone gets blue now and then in response to life''s disappointments, but when feelings such as sadness, loneliness, exhaustion, hopelessness, and irritability persist and prevent a person from functioning normally, they may be suffering from depression.
What is Stress?Stress makes us feel irritable, gives us stomach aches, and makes it difficult to sleep. But even though we all intuitively know what stress is, defining it is quite difficult.
Who''s At Risk For Depression--and Why?Depression can afflict anyone, regardless of age, race, class, or gender. Nearly 20 million Americans suffer from depression each year, but only one out of ten seeks out and receives adequate treatment, even though the great majority of people with depression--including those with severe cases--can be helped to full recovery.
It May Not Be a "Patients' Bill of Rights"...The final rule regulating health plan claims procedures covered by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) was published.
The Four Stages of BurnoutThe StressDoc take a look at burnout.
Towards an Ecology of Soul In Work: Implications for Human Resource DevelopmentAn ecology of soul in work involves understanding the deep and holistic relationship between the worker and the work environment. It is about how this relationship is experienced, and the meaning we make of our lives as workers.
Buy-in of front-line managers needed for return to workFront-line supervisors are the queens and kings of return-to-work. Most well-meaning human resources policies, including return-to-work programs, will not be fully implemented if managers do not have any incentives to implement them.
From Down and Outraged to Grieving and Growing UpWith two instructive vignettes, the Stress Doc illustrates how management, out of touch with the psychological realities of loss and change, can exacerbate the stress of a macro or micro restructuring. And the Doc also reveals the rejuvenating powers of open and creative group grieving.
Is It Mourning or Is It Depression?The Stress Doc examines the fine line and conceptual confusions between grief and mood disorder. He also outlines the stages of grief. His work with reorganized and unemployed professionals provides raw material for differentiating grief from situational and clinical depression. (Part 1 of 2)
American Nurses Association Releases Survey on Declining CareThe results of this survey is supported by the findings of an earlier ANA study (March 2000) where patients were found to have better health-care outcomes in hospitals with higher staffing levels and higher ratios of registered nurses on staff.
Genetic Testing Challenged by EEOC / Patients' Privacy Rules / Reasonable Accommodation ProceduresThree timely news pieces on important topics.
Stressful Contexts for Turning Grief into DepressionHere are seven bio-psychosocial dynamics and role contexts that may help differentiate natural grief from morbid melancholy.
How to Manual for Leading a Practice Safe Stress ProgramThe cornerstone of the Practice Safe Stress Workshop, whether leading an hour or a daylong program, is the Discussion-Drawing Exercise. This highly interactive, multi-sensorial exercise has ten segments.
FAQ-Can we provide non-prescription drugs in first aid kits?Frequently asked ask@hr.com question regarding non-perscriprion drugs in the workplace.
FAQ-Tobacco Use in the WorkplaceFrequently asked ask@hr.com question regarding tobacco use in the workplace.
FAQ-Can we force employees to stop wearing fragrances to work?Frequently asked ask@hr.com question on how to accomodate employees with fragrance allergies.
FAQ-Can we force employees to wash their hands after using the washroom facilities?Frequently asked ask@hr.com question regarding employee handwashing.
Commonly Asked Questions Concerning Access to Employee Exposure and Medical Records StandardThis is a must know records retention compliance article.
TCC 2000Many employers realize that monetary rewards are not the single most important source of job satisfaction for employees. In fact, these employers are taking a proactive approach to managing their workforce by giving them a variety of different fringe benefits. One type of fringe benefit includes employee wellness programs such as the Take Charge Challenge.
Health Insurance Coverage in California and How to get the Best Plan AnywhereThe cost of coverage is lower in California than the rest of the country because HMO´s predominate.
Rebuilding the Fire: From Burnout to Break OutA reflection on the burnout that can follow peak performance.
Find-A-Therapist.comFind-A-Therapist is an extensive worldwide network of over 10,000 mental healthcare professionals. What is unique about this large membership is that whatever the situation, you will literally be able to find a therapist for it. If you can´t find one, Find-A-Therapist will find one for you!
San Francisco to Pay for Sex ChangesThe passing of this bill would make San Francisco the only government employer in the United States to extend such benefits as a part of its health coverage plan.
Death of a Salesman: How to Keep Your Revenue Engine from Burning Out (1/2)HR has a role to play is helping prevent burnout amongst sales staff.
Death of a Salesman : How to Keep The Fires of Your Revenue Engine Burning Once They''re Part of the Machine (2/2)Ever get so frustrated you feel like firing your entire sales force? Join the club.
GriefThe Stress Doc examines the fine line between grief and mood disorder. He also outlines the stages of grief. His work with reorganized and unemployed professionals provides raw material for differentiating grief from situational and clinical depression.
Addressing Psychiatric Claims Under the ADAMany employers cringe at the mention of the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA"). They worry that no matter what they do, it will be wrong.
Workers Seek Well-Being, Inside And OutMaking time for what''s important is not "time management" but, rather, "self management".
Vital Work: Spirit And Development Within The Natural WorkplaceThis award winning research paper explores two organizations where development becomes not a function of training but a way of conducting work as a whole.
Choose Life Over WorkOne of my clients touched my heart this week.
I know, that seems like a silly way to start a column, but that statement sums up the courage I saw in one of my clients. I bet his story will inspire you as much as it did me.
There's A Lot To Be Said About PatienceAuthor Jennifer White reminds our readers to give patience a chance when formulating great business plans.
Building a Bridge Between Grief and CreativityThe Stress Doc examines the semantic and psychological, imaginative and interpersonal connections between grief and creativity.
There''s A Big Difference In The Patients'' Rights Legislation Before CongressThe Senate approved Kennedy-McCain bill could result in more than four times as many people without health insurance and far more costs.
Managing Potentially Unstable EmployeesWorkplace stress and violence are increasing. However, at the same time, you are being forced to assume more and more legal responsibilities for employees with mental and/or emotional disabilities.
Employers Expand Resource And Referral Networks-Companies planning
work/life programs need to be proactive in offering meaningful benefits to the growing number of childless workers.
Wartime Stress Survival TipsIn light of the terrorist tragedy, here are some survival tips and strategies.
Poem: Who KNOWS War?The winds of war stir up remembrances of encounters on the edge of war...
I am so sad. And mad too.Right now everything seems so unfair. I grew up in New York City and have been in those buildings dozens of times. I have friends that live and work near them. I feel so powerless over these events. I don''t know how to help. It feels like we are so vulnerable.
When Crazy is NormalI almost ran over a lady at a crosswalk. I forgot a doctor´s appointment and yelled at my six year old for no reason. And during a weight class at my gym, I started crying. When I was a clinician in private practice, I would have been concerned about a serious depression if a therapy client had reported these events to me during a session. Yesterday, they were normal.
Take a Stress Break with The Stress DocTM-A few tips for yourself, and your staff, on managing stress.
Anthrax Update-Is it contagious? Should I stock up on antibiotics? The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention provides some much needed answers.
Information About Anthrax-Tips on what you should be looking for when dealing with suspicious parcels and what you can do to protect yourself.
Employers Still Struggle With High Cost Of AbsenteeismReasons other than physical illness are the biggest worry for employers, stress takes toll on workers.
Blanket Authorization on Health Information Violates ADA, EEOC Says-An employer´s proposed blanket authorization to allow its use or disclosure of job applicant or employee health information violates the ADA.
Traumatic Stress/Crisis Intervention Techniques and Tips-This "how to" guide highlights key questions and concepts, illustrative vignettes and intervention strategies for individuals grappling with post-traumatic effects after Tuesday´s "Day of Terror."
No One Is Immune: Professional Healing From TraumaAs professionals, focused on assisting others to heal from painful life events, we often forget that we also need the same things we tell others they need themselves.
Healing the Employee Burnout Syndrome-Many companies are facing a growing epidemic of employee absenteeism and job burnout despite their claim that people are their most important assets.
The Sandwich Generation Is in a Pickle-Forty percent of full- and part-time workers have both adult care and child care responsibilities.
Sleeping on the Job-Some research on sleep suggests the positive impact of napping on the job and the consolidating power of dreaming to increase both productivity and creativity.
Bereavement Leave: Show That You Care-Following the letter of the law doesn´t necessarily enhance the employee/
employer relationship.
Domestic Violence Is a Workplace ProblemMany companies are taking a stand on domestic violence due to the growing recognition of its significant toll on the workplace.
Fourteen Warning Signs of Personality, Emotional, and Medical Disorders-Combinations of the following factors (and the more that are in evidence, the more conclusive they are) will indicate psychological, emotional and medical problems.
Preventing Workplace Violence And Avoiding Legal Liability-The first of a three-part series presenting 10 basic steps you can take to avoid the human tragedy and potential legal exposure for violent acts in the workplace.
Beware of Work-Based Emotional Traps-Career coaches and psychiatrists tell us that their clients suffer from a similar set of traps when it comes to progressing in their careers. Here are some of the most common ones.
Learn to Manage Stress, Before it Manages You and Your Company-An overview of stress and how to effectively manage it.
Self-Help Tips For Fit And Healthy HR Practices- Here are some self-help tips that can lead to a lean, efficient, and well-rounded HR department.
All Stressed Up and Nowhere to Go?If you´re like most people, you´ve heard and read a lot about stress. If that doesn´t make you an expert, the volume of stressful situations you deal with daily should at least qualify you for a badge of courage. From Heartmath.
Advising IT Managers on How to Train For Peak Performance in Today's High Pace Workplace!-A solution for employee burnout among IT Managers.
Balance Is An Inside JobPerpetual change may well be the norm but it is rarely welcomed and one of the most common stressors we face on a daily basis.
The Physiology of Peak Performance- What some researchers are calling a "binge-purge" approach to stress management is not only ineffective it´s out and out unhealthy.
Bearing Witness-As with Reality shows and live war coverage, so much of our mass media is about intense emotion. What about the workplace?
Meet The Most Powerful Stress Manager: Your HeartWorking in business we´ve been discouraged to believe in metaphors of the heart, for fear this will somehow lead us to financial ruin or a career path to oblivion. From Heartmath.
Coping with Job Stress- Job stress affects productivity, destroys relationships and creates problems for everyone from the executive suite to the shop or retail floor. How can you cope with stress and protect yourself?
Don''t Be Burned By Employee Burnout-Forty percent of employees say that their work load is unreasonable.
Inevitable But Manageable: Office Politics-Office politics: A phrase that sends chills down your spine or dredges up unpleasant memories. This simple two-word term is hard to ignore because it is filled with so many negative connotations.
Business Travel May Require Some Changes For Diabetics-How your organization can accommodate employees with diabetes.
Avoiding Pity City and the Victimitis Virus-Blaming others for our difficulties is the easy way out. That''s why it''s so popular.
Pre-Holiday Stress Tips-Keep your holidays happy, healthy and headache free!
Tips For Employers On How To Avoid Potential Lawsuits-Currently, almost 20 percent of all civil court cases are employment-related, so avoiding legal pitfalls has become extremely difficult for businesses.
Workplace Violence: Be Careful Out There-There are a number of steps you can take to greatly minimize the risk of violence in your workplace.
Expand Your Time-Don''t feel like the Lone Ranger. If it seems that you don´t have enough time in your life, consider these suggestions.
How HR Managers Can Help People Cope With Job Stress-Job stress affects productivity, destroys relationships and creates problems for everyone.
Turn Your Cell Phone Off At Home!-Work-life balance and open communication are key to happiness.
Calgary Scores Highest For Health & Sanitation; Baku In Azerbaijan Scores Lowest-For overall quality of life, Zurich and Geneva rank top; Baghdad scores lowest.
Are You Really Serious About Improving Morale?-Keeping morale high should be on every manager´s radar screen.
Worldwide Quality Of Life-Regional Analysis-Most North American cities have slipped in the rankings this year, primarily due to the tighter restrictions imposed on entry into the country.
Can You Dig It?-Plants reduce workplace stress!
8 Ways Managers Can Improve Morale: Part 2-This two part article is part of a multi-article series on improving morale.