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August 28, 2008
Columnist offers advice for dealing with stressed-out workers
On the front page of the Wall Street Journal's (8/26, D1) Personal Journal section, Elizabeth Bernstein writes in the Health Journal column that "mental-health experts say they're seeing increasing signs of stress this year, with more people seeking professional help for mental strain brought on by financial or work issues."
In fact, since "last spring, calls to employee-assistance programs (EAPs) -- which help people with mental-health and personal problems -- have risen about 10 percent, according to the Employee Assistance Professionals Association." In a worst-case scenario, bosses should be on the lookout for warning signs of "office violence," such as "direct threats, menacing gestures, or statements."
Anyone "who appears to be a threat should be dealt with by managers immediately and carefully, with the help of security," experts advise. But, "the vast majority of people suffering from mental stress in the workplace don't become violent." Some warning "signs that something is wrong" are "changes in behavior, including work patterns, eating habits, or drinking." Bernstein advises bosses of overstressed employees to "offer only work-related help," such as giving out the number to the company's EAP.
Related Links:
- "When a Co-Worker is Stressed Out," Elizabeth Bernstein, Wall Street Journal, August 26, 2008.
Posted by admin at August 28, 2008 10:35 AM