Life can get pretty stressful, and the workplace isn't necessarily a safe haven. Half of workplaces said they've experienced a crisis in the past year, according to a report by ComPsych Corporation, the world's largest provider of employee assistance programs.
At least there's some good news: Employee assistance programs have helped millions of employees over the years, helping the workforce deal with critical incidents in and out of the workplace. From helping employees deal with mental illness to money woes, EAPs have been evolving for almost 50 years.
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Here are the top 5 workforce challenges and situations where EAPS can help, according to ComPsych>>
Work-related stress and anxiety
Here's some not so surprising news: Work stresses us out. HR and benefits professionals cite work-related stress and anxiety as the No. 1 workplace challenge.
This can be anything from feeling burnt out on the job to the common 'I hate my job' or 'I hate my boss' complaints.
EAPS routinely respond to critical incidents in the workplace, often times sending out counselors to work with employees on-site within hours of the incident.
Photo credit: David Castillo Dominici
Balancing family responsibilities
We often hear about the ever-important—and ever-so-difficult—balancing act that employees are trying to accomplish.
Unfortunately, according to recent reports by the Center for American Progress, too many employers make it impossible to juggle work and family obligations.
In fact, only about half of workers have the flexibility to adjust their work schedules to care for a child or elderly parent. And the danger of losing a job or missing a promotion because of illness, pregnancy, or taking care of loved ones when working at companies focused solely on the bottom line leaves too many parents having to choose between their jobs and their families.
Photo credit: Stuart Miles
Financial pressures
Due to the economic downtown in 2008, employees are working harder and longer than ever.
And the stagnant economy since hasn't helped make matters any better. But luckily, an EAP can help employees deal with foreclosures, bankruptcies, a spouse's job loss or taking care of elderly parents. Many times, employees get financial advice from an EAP.
Photo credit: renjith krishnan
Weight management
With statistic after statistic showing us that obesity remains a major problem for Americans, it's not surprising that weight is a big fat issue for employees.
Another ComPsych report finds weight is consistently on Americans' minds. Even more, 43 percent of employees say weight loss is their top health concern this year, a 10 percent increase over 2011.
Employers have increasingly been jumping on the wellness bandwagon as there's been a greater focus on obesity awareness.
Photo credit: Grant Cochrane
Depression
With all these stresses, it's no wonder depression is among the top 5 biggest problems for employees.
Depression's certainly not a light issue. The CDC reports it affects one in 10 adults, and can adversely affect the course and outcome of common chronic conditions, such as arthritis, asthma, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity.
It also takes a heavy toll on employers: Depression can result in increased work absenteeism, short-term disability and decreased productivity.
[Read "Some EAPs narrowing the focus"]
Photo credit: m_bartosch
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