This year, Spain’s Top Employers have shown a 31% increase in implementing stress management programs. Almost 78% of these Top Employers have put initiatives into place to manage employee stress; just two years ago, this figure was nearly 31% lower. Nearly half of all working days in Europe are lost due to stress.
According to data from the European Union, stress is the second most common health problem related to work in Europe and contributes to nearly half of all lost working days. The Top Employers in Spain are fully aware of this situation, as 78% now have stress management programs for their employees, compared to only 47% in 2013.
In addition, companies are managing welfare policies for their employees through which stress management programs are created. In fact, 95% of these companies have Key Performance Indicators in place, which are reported to the executive management.
The Top Employers in Spain provide a variety of initiatives to cope with stress, such as campaigns to identify situations that may give rise to it. For example, they offer relaxation workshops, meditation practices, promotion of healthy eating and exercise, among many others.
The 31% increase in stress management programs implemented by Spain’s Top Employers is evidence that the best employers are aware that substantial costs are involved when it comes to employee stress. The negative effects of stress translate into a poor overall performance of the company, increased absenteeism, and higher rates of accidents and injuries. In addition, the effects of stress tend to last longer than the effects of other factors.
Among the many good practices in this area, we highlight Spain’s Top Employers SABIC and Chiesi.
Global approach to stress management at SABIC
Stress management is part of one of the key areas in developing the Health Plan at SABIC. This petrochemical manufacturer uses a multidisciplinary approach to address this challenge. Information campaigns are developed with tips for coping with stressful situations or identifying the early signs of stress. In addition, SABIC has implemented a program called “Relax” that includes a workshop on laughter therapy, relaxation, postural stretching on a fit ball, and prevention of drug and alcohol use.
SABIC has also launched various initiatives such as workshops on healthy breakfasts, and the introduction of a fruit day or week to prevent hypertension. "With a preventive approach designed from a global point of view, we have created different types of workshops that affect the health and welfare of our employees and indirectly lower stress," say Susana Sáez, HR Manager of SABIC in Spain, and Juan Carlos Rueda.
Chiesi: Modelling the basic emotions
The pharmaceutical company Chiesi promotes healthy habits among its employees. Through a team called Chiesi Vital, consisting of employees from different areas within the company, this organisation has launched initiatives to promote health, such as meditation and stress management. "Through eminently practical seminars, we can induce a model and experience the basic emotions of employees in a healthy and energetic way."
Stress is the cause of nearly half of all working days lost
Stress is the second most common health problem related to work in Europe according to data collected by the European Union in various surveys. Around half of all European workers feel that stress is a common element in their workplaces and that it contributes to nearly half of all working days lost. About eight out of ten managers are concerned about stress in the workplace.
In addition to mental health problems, workers subjected to prolonged periods of stress can have serious physical health problems such as cardiovascular disease or musculoskeletal issues.
To find out more about Top Employers and what they do to prevent stress in their companies, contact us at marketing@top-employers.com or leave a message below.
