Job stress damages the health and well-being of employees at all levels of an organization.
In the new National Bureau of Economic Research study, researchers examined how stressful work environments (economic downturns, corporate takeovers, or strict corporate governance regimes) impacted the speed of aging and lifespan of CEOs.
Example finding: CEOs leading the companies through industry downturns, look older and their life expectancy decreases by 1.5 years.
The picture below shows James Donald, former CEO of Starbucks, and compares his biological ages between 2004 and 2009 with apparent ages based on aging software.
To help employees reduce the adverse consequences of the heightened workplace stress, companies are increasing investments in well-being programs. However, according to Gartner, less than 35% of employees actually use these programs.
Gartner recommends three approaches to boosting participation in well-being programs:
(1) Increase employee understanding of well-being offerings.
Managers, not HR, are best positioned to regularly check with employees about their well-being needs and to help personalize available offerings.
(2) Reduce well-being stigma and apathy.
It is critical that managers feel empowered to discuss personal well-being topics with their team – to let employees know that it is okay to not be okay.
(3) Reduce the time and effort needed to participate in well-being programs.
Design opt-out well-being programs rather than opt-in, use nudges to provide suggestions and positive reinforcement, introduce company-wide recharge days.
TEAMRADERIE EXPERIENCES FOR WELL-BEING
Teamraderie Experiences is a modern science-backed way to enhance well-being in the workplace. The duration of the experiences is just 45 minutes, and we make it easy for team members to join and participate. Two examples of virtual experiences for your team:
Can art relax the mind and lead to an increase in team well-being? What could your team gain from a shared creative experience?
Your team receives a kit with beautifully wrapped kit with a canvas, paints, and brushes. An instructor from a female-led San Francisco-based art studio joins you live and walks you through each step to creating your masterpiece.
Take a pause from your work and get together as a team to try and learn something new!
Victoria Elizondo, chef and founder of Cochinita & Co., has a passion for the cuisine and flavors of her native Mexico. Your team will be guided through the tasting of two artisanal salsas, Texas-made Tostaditas, and two different Texas margaritas. (Non-alcoholic kit is available.)
