Survey shows employees' stress dependent on region

(NC)—According to the 2009 Desjardins Financial Security National Health Survey, Canadian employees are showing signs of mental distress related to the current difficult economic times.

An average of 30 per cent of Canadian employees are experiencing anxiety, losing sleep, and/or suffering from headaches, muscle aches and other physical tension—symptoms which often precede more serious problems. However, higher-than-average results from different parts of the country are more alarming.

For example, results from Ontario and British Columbia were higher than the national average in all three symptoms. But, results from the Maritimes, Quebec and the Prairies registered less than the average. When respondents were asked if they were paying more attention to their personal finances since the start of the recession, 83 per cent of Canadians said yes. However, the average was much higher in Ontario, the Prairies and British Columbia.

Employees' relationship to work

Respondents were also asked several questions about their work situations since the start of the recession. About 43 per cent of Canadian employees said they are worried about losing their jobs. These results were significantly higher in Ontario, where 55 per cent are concerned about job losses.

When asked about reduced work productivity and increased time off work, the national average was 29 and 20 per cent respectively. Ontario and British Columbia both showed significantly higher results in reduced productivity (34 and 31 per cent), and the Prairies registered the highest percentage of time off work (23 per cent). More than a quarter of Canadian employees said that they were less engaged at work. All the regions except for British Columbia (34 per cent) were on par with the Canadian average.

How employers can help their staff

While employees have certain responsibilities in managing their mental health at work, there are steps that an employer can take to help their staff during the current economic storm:

• Communicate with your staff regularly. As a manager, stay visible and approachable. This visibility can quash the rumour mill and alleviate fear.
• Urge employees to look at what they can control by having group meetings to cultivate creativity new ideas and find solutions.
• Create a positive picture. Replace fear with hope. Reward innovation and brainstorm new ideas.
• Identify employees who are not coping well. Meet with them privately and ask if there is a way you can help them cope.
• Be supportive. Showing empathy and providing a listening ear can help staff feel less anxious and isolated.
• Boost morale by heading off unacceptable behaviour and remind employees that their individual behaviour will collectively help the company to thrive.
• Provide employee assistance programs. This is not the time to eliminate EAP services. Support offered by EAP is a long term investment for the mental health of employees.

More information on the Desjardins Financial Security Health is Cool survey is available online at www.healthiscool.ca.

Source: www.newscanada.com