The top workplace issues that affect worker stress, as reported by a recent study entitledStress in the Workplace are: health care costs, absenteeism,and workplace safety. Though these stress issues are unavoidable, employers nonetheless must recognize them and provide a workplace that offers possible solutions to counter these on-the-job stressors. Specific findings from the survey revealed that66 percent of employers have implemented at least four programs intended to reduce stress. Twenty-two percent have established eight or more programs.The top four employer-provided programs identified are employee assistance programs, flexible work schedules, work/life balance support programs, and leadership training on worker stress.

Reread the Focus on...Best Practices feature on page 85 describing health care costs, absenteeism, and workplace safety as they affect worker stress. Evaluate the merits of the programs businesses offer to defuse worker stress.