Stress Down Day to support emotional distress
Employers are being urged to let staff take time out from the pressures of the workplace during these tough economic times.
Samaritans has named February 6 2009 its third ‘Stress Down Day’, as they hope to raise awareness of work-related stress. * The charity is encouraging businesses to allow their staff to spend time doing a stress-free activity in return for a donation to support their 24-hour service for people in distress.
Suggested activities include wearing slippers at work, sponsoring a team to reduce stress in the office and running a stress auction with stress-busting prizes.
Last year more than 13.5 million working days were lost to stress, anxiety and depression. **
Samaritans hopes that Stress Down Day will help to create awareness of the issue of work-related stress exacerbated by the recession, as people feel more pressured to perform at work under the threat of redundancy.
A survey from Friends Provident polling 2,700 workers revealed that many people are working longer hours, and in some cases taking on a second job, due to financial pressures. ***
Westfield Health introduced an Employee Assistance Programme to help employers manage the risk that stress-related absence represents.
Many of Westfield’s health cash plans offer a 24-hour counselling and advice line, which enables policyholders to speak to an experienced counsellor, lawyer or medical adviser at any time in complete confidence.
The Foresight and Chamber Plans also include up to six face-to-face counselling sessions, which give policyholders the opportunity to talk through issues in person.
Additionally, acupuncture, which is included in Westfield’s therapy treatment benefit, can be used to help people sleep better, feel calmer and more energetic and generally improve wellbeing.
For more information on Stress Down Day, visit www.stressdownday.org
Read more about the Advantage Plan: http://www.westfieldhealth.com/corporate-health-plans/advantage/index.asp
Read more about the Foresight Plan: http://www.westfieldhealth.com/corporate-health-plans/foresight/index.asp
Read more about the Chamber Plan: http://www.westfieldhealth.com/corporate-health-plans/chamber/index.asp
© Westfield Health Insurance 2012
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