Holiday Stress Takes on New Dimensions

According to employee assistance experts at CIGNA Behavioral Health, employers should be prepared for a second wave of "holiday blues" as another year end approaches marked by ongoing economic and world tensions. For roughly the past 24 months employees have been persevering in the face of job uncertainty, dwindling retirement nest eggs, as well as threats of terrorism. Without some relief, these stressors are bound to show up in the workplace in a variety of forms.

However, with 57% of employers having employee assistance programs (EAPs) in place, the workplace is poised to play a valuable role in helping re-energize workers and families. "The economy may be down, but workers themselves don't have to be," said Dr. Keith Dixon, president of CIGNA Behavioral Health. For today's stressed workers, experts say it is vitally important that workplace EAPs be available to help them cope in the face of stress at work and at home.

Calls For Help
During 2002, CIGNA Behavioral Health did a study where they interviewed thousands of American workers seeking to better understand the mood in the workplace. The research found that employees were wrestling with numerous pressures:

• 44% of employees said their job was more stressful now than a year ago
• 51% said the uncertain economy is a major contributing factor to their attitude shift
• 40% cited worries about personal job loss as a contributor to their stress
• 36% cited the reduced value of their retirement savings and investments
• 5% said ongoing threats of terrorist attacks are a contributor to stress.

"When you consider what American workers have on their plate right now, it's not surprising that many are turning to EAPs for tips on how to better manage in the face of increased levels of stress," said Dixon.

Signs To Look For In Yourself
CIGNA Behavioral Health experts advise employees to be alert to these key signs that they may be suffering from unusually high levels of stress or anxiety this holiday season:

• Do you seem unusually preoccupied with negative "water cooler" talk?
• Do you dwell excessively on the "what ifs"-"what if I lose my job; what if I can't afford to retire?"
• Are you overly fixated on current economic or political difficulties?
• Do you have an unusually difficult time focusing on job tasks or following through on routine assignments?
• Are you overeating, or neglecting to exercise, due to increased stress?
• Do you throw yourself into your work, ignoring personal needs or the needs of friends and family?
• Do the holidays seem meaningless, like a chore, or just dreary repetition of last year?

Tips For Coping With Stress During The Holidays
In those instances where employees believe they may need support this holiday, experts say the following suggestions may prove invaluable:

• During the holidays, eat and drink in moderation.
• Make time for regular exercise.
• Re-evaluate your traditions. Modify any that are more stressful than they are worth. For example, consider limiting gift-giving and simplifying meals and celebrations.
• Let go of unrealistic expectations for holiday gatherings with co-workers or family-you can't have perfect holidays; difficult people aren't going to be angels during the holidays.
• Arrange to spend time with people who are good for you, and minimize time with those who are not.
• Take time for yourself-to relax, pursue favorite hobbies, read, or volunteer to do community service.
• Take time for spiritual reflection.
• Tap into workplace support services such as EAP or other health and wellness services.
• If you feel you would benefit from professional counseling during this time, use your EAP to access an appropriate provider, confidentially and free of charge.

How To Help Your Children
In addition, experts say it is important that employees be alert to signs of holiday-related difficulties with their children. To assist children, experts advise the following:

• Ask questions to encourage your children to talk to you about how they are doing, their emotional state, and challenges and stressors they are wrestling with.
• Listen actively to their concerns, then reassure them. Let them know you don't expect them to be perfect.
• Allow them time to relax and do things they enjoy.
• Maintain a normal routine around meals, planned activities, and bedtimes.
• Limit TV viewing and focus more on family time where parents and children can interact in soothing activities.
• Be especially patient this time of year with your children, your partner and yourself. Hug them and tell them you love them.

"As employers prepare for the new year, it is important that they do things this year to ensure that their workers are re-energized and upbeat as they approach the New Year. Supporting employees in this way actually can help the entire workforce become more productive on the job-and happier off the job," said Dixon.