60 Seconds on Business
Easing stress helps the bottom line

By Dr. Drake Beil
President, Solutions Inc.

Did you know more than 60 percent of all workplace absences are related to psychological problems? What's worse, up to 90 percent of all industrial accidents may be caused by personal and stress-related problems.

That causes millions of dollars in unnecessary expenses.

Paying attention to workers' physical and psychological health increases productivity, improves morale and performance, and reduces stress and absenteeism. All of that improves the bottom line.

How do you score? Answer the next few questions to see:

1. Do you offer easy access to mental health and substance abuse programs?

2. Are Employee Assistance Programs and services available for employees and their families?

3. Do you have policies and programs to support employee participation in recognized charitable organizations such as United Way, Cancer Society, American Lung Association, etc?

4. How do you show support to local charities and causes that employees like?

Information on the elements of healthy workplace can be found at www.hawaiipsych.org.

If you're looking for a way to start, try this: Provide health club memberships, or encourage employees to join charity walks or events.

Dr. Drake Beil can be reached at drake@60secondsonbusiness.