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As a psychologist, I'm concerned with how the mind affects the body. As a corporate consultant, I'm equally concerned with my client's organizational health. For too long, people have paid lip service to the negative effects of stress on health and productivity, and the need for stress control programs. Unfortunately, stress continues to flourish in many organizations.
A study in Sweden's occupational health care centers showed that reducing on-the-job stress can significantly lower the risk of heart disease and cholesterol levels. The study focused both on stress management skills and on making the work environment less stressful. The latter included providing employees greater control over their work and more support from supervisors and colleagues. Employees received a two day skill training seminar in physical and mental stress control, along with extensive lifestyle assessment. They met with co-workers to identify specific changes for workplace improvement, select who would implement those changes, and establish who would evaluate the outcomes.
The results were impressive. Participants reported a greater sense of stimulation and freedom at work, along with increased feelings of support from their supervisors. Additionally, their HDL (good cholesterol) rose significantly and their their HDL/LDL ratio (a signifcant risk factor) fell six percent! All this, just from psychological intervention.
Why should your organization be interested in such evidence? Can it make them more competititve? Will it help contain costs? Increase productivity? Will it positively impact the bottom line? YES! Psychological training has proven to be a cost-effective addition to dietary and medical interventions aimed at reducing the risk of heart disease. That's especially valuable to anyone trying to contain healthcare costs. More importantly, since people are the heart of any organization, it just makes good sense to keep them as healthy as possible.
Contact me to learn how implement similar changes in your organization. I'll be happy to help.
