Statistics Canada indicates that workplace absenteeism costs Canadian companies $16 billion each year. Stress is implicated in 70 - 90% of medical problems.
The current economic situation is causing stress across the board. Those of us still employed recognize that no position is immune. According to a recent article, adding additional hours and workload to our already crazy schedules is causing even more stress in our lives as we try to weather this storm.
I can relate to this, and I'm sure many of my readers can too. I know that many companies can provide stress counseling though Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) but then there are those who do not have access to this type of service.
There are lots of counseling services out there but, typically, by the time someone makes an appointment to speak to a counselor, they have already been suffering for some time. Their productivity has probably dropped or perhaps they've been off sick more often than normal. So I wonder why was I so surprised to hear that you can now find instant stress relief on-line? I just had to check it out.
www.Stresschat.ca 's philosophy is that "dealing with conflict and stress when it first presents itself is a more proactive and effective way to combat workplace absenteeism".
Although Stresschat offers regular programming like other counseling agencies, their website says that they also offer immediate response options to employees by providing e-mail access to qualified counselors and stress specialists. A typical stress-chat can last between 10-20 minutes and the costs vary depending upon the size of the company and number of employees using the service.
Perhaps it's a sad sign of the times that we have to actually offer access to immediate de-stressing by e-mail but could this instant access to a professional ear be the future norm?
One good thing, at least I haven't had to sign on.....yet!
If you have any comments, do not hesitate to contact me at wwtab@wwtab.com
1 Comment
Hi Carol! It's so helpful for there to be so many options for people. No question that unhealthy stress is BIG. The relationship between work and personal life has become so much more complicated, and the economic situation touches all of us in some way. For individuals who don't have access to an EAP or programs such as stresschat, one accessible and affordable source of help is the Family Service Agency. Family Service Agencies can be found in most communities. They offer professional counselling services at very reasonable rates (much less than the $135 here -- and with a sliding fee schedule based on ability to pay) and offer a range of community-based programs to help people deal with life's challenges. Counselling is provided by masters trained counsellors. My experience is that most group benefit plans that cover counselling require an MWS and RSW.
Stress and financial worries are so very prevalent now. But the message is really ....yes, you can develop strategies for managing the unhealthy stress and it can make your work and personal life better!
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