Human Resources: Employees Losing Sleep and Health, According to New Poll

RALEIGH, N.C., June 2, 2009 - In the juggling act of family, work and recreation, many Americans are choosing to drop the fun and focus their energy on caring for family and being successful at work. A new poll released by Workplace Options revealed that 72 percent of surveyed employees find their job stressful and approximately one in five have noticed difficulty in performing work duties because of a decrease in their overall wellness. Wellness practices like exercise and fitness are most likely to keep employees balanced and on track - offering an outlet for stress from other parts of life.

The Workplace Options survey also found that approximately one in three employees are exercising less than they were six months ago, with 37 percent having to cut back on wellness spending, such as fees for health clubs, yoga and exercise classes. Adding to that, one in five has seen an increase in unhealthy behaviors such as smoking or drinking alcohol and 29 percent have had greater difficulty sleeping. This information hints that some workers may be subconsciously experiencing the stress placed on them in the workplace and at home - a possibility that employers should be attuned to and prepared to handle.

Even eating habits are suffering due to stress, although some purveyors of products are reaping the benefits of this trend. Of the workers who reported feeling stressed by their jobs, 79 percent also said they are spending less on a healthy diet. At the same time, Hershey Co., the nation's second-largest candy maker, saw profits surge 20 percent in the first quarter of 2009. Kraft Foods Inc., also experienced double-digit growth in macaroni and cheese dinners, a staple comfort food for many Americans.

"It's not surprising that so many employees - seven in 10 - are beginning to feel the burden of the current economic situation," said Dean Debnam, chief executive officer for Workplace Options. "Employees are generally satisfied with their jobs, many perhaps because they just feel lucky to have one, but are feeling the pressure to deliver value, which is manifesting itself in other aspects of their lives. To help these people stay on top of their game, employers should provide outlets and options to help them cope."

According to the poll 78 percent of employees see employer-sponsored offerings of wellness programs to control weight, stop smoking, get fit, etc., as important, and another 70 percent say they would take advantage of a wellness coach if offered by their employer. As employees lose focus on their personal health and wellness, some companies are beginning to offer on-site yoga classes or weight loss programs to encourage employees to take time for themselves and not let these fall to the wayside. A 2008 study released by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine found just 62 percent of all companies - small to medium to large - offer some type of wellness program. For more information on employee wellness programs, please visit www.workplaceoptions.com.

The national survey on job satisfaction, conducted by the North Carolina firm of Public Policy Polling May 14-18, polled 758 working Americans. The survey has a margin of error of +- 3.6 percent. Full survey results can be viewed at www.workplaceoptions.com/polls.asp.

About Workplace Options
Workplace Options (WPO) is America's largest provider of work-life services. WPO's market-leading products are recognized for their innovative Web delivery, flexibility and affordable pricing. WPO also offers network management solutions and 24/7 call center services that help EAPs run their businesses more profitably and efficiently. For more information about WPO, please visit www.workplaceoptions.com.

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