Stress can have a multitude of effects on people, and it shows at work. According to the Workplace Well-being: A Summary of the 2018 Workplace Outcome Suite Annual Report, released in partnership with LifeWorks by Morneau Shepell and the International Employee Assistance Professionals Association, distressed employees spend more than one third of their time at work being unproductive and average one full day off sick per month.

According to the research, employees struggling with mental health or other well-being issues are unable to concentrate on their job, a symptom known as "presenteeism," for more than a third of the total scheduled work time (54.95 hours or 34 percent)—or about eight total days per month. The report says this is more than twice as much as the typical "healthy" employee.

In addition, these employees are also absent from work for an average of 7.36 hours per month—almost one full working day (about 5 percent of all work time).

The most common clinical issues behind the reduced productivity were related to mental health (i.e., depression, anxiety) or personal stress (combined at 40 percent of cases), followed by relationship problems of marriage or family life (29 percent), work and occupational issues (18 percent), and alcohol misuse and drug problems (four percent).

"The results of the research demonstrated that there is a good reason for employers to use an EAP to support distressed employees and enhance overall employee well-being," said Barb Veder, vice president and chief clinician, Morneau Shepell. "After use of EAP-provided counselling, problem rates were reduced for every aspect measured in the report where employees need support. Thus, EAPs help to reduce the risks associated with workplace problems."

After use of EAP-provided counselling, problem rates were reduced for the five outcomes measured in the report. Thus, EAPs help to reduce the risks associated with workplace problems. According to the study:

Having a "problem" with work presenteeism was reduced from 56 percent to 28 percent
Life satisfaction issues were reduced from 38 percent to 17 percent
Work absenteeism was reduced from 34 percent to 14 percent
Work engagement issues were reduced from 31 percent to 21 percent
Workplace distress was reduced from 22 percent to 13 percent

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EAP counseling can reduce work stress and improve productivity

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