TIS THE SEASON BAH HUMBUG!
As we fast approach the holidays many of us are feeling the pressure of running out of time, too much to do and not enough time, not enough money to get everything necessary to make this Christmas the best one ever, the last minute push to make all the holiday favorites everyone is expecting from you!
With all of this pressure it’s not surprising that 45% of Americans would prefer to skip Christmas altogether! And at least a quarter of us are suffering from extreme stress.
This generally manifests itself in the form of fatigue, headaches, sleep disturbances, lack of focus and concentration, stomach trouble, short tempers, declining moral and job satisfaction, even physical symptoms like low back pain can be manifestations of stress.
Most of us just suck it up and continue to work. However, a 2008 study by Medibank Private found that decreased productivity and work performance were responsible for 2.14 days of loss per employee for Presenteeism, which means basically present but not performing up to par. The Journal of the American Medical Association reported that on the job productivity lost from depression and pain is 3 time greater than loss from absenteeism at a cost of appx. $35 billion dollars in reduced performance!
We would like to offer a few suggestions to help you and your staff be better able to cope with the stresses of the season. Take steps to make employees aware that some of the symptoms listed above can indicate increased stress. To help better manage stress, suggest powering down cell phones and take 10-15-minute break from the computer several times during the day. Use those breaks to take a walk, do some simple stretching and deep breathing exercises or some simple mind clearing exercises. Reaffirm the need to maintain a regular sleep schedule, eat well, and listen to your body! Go to www.wrike.com for several 3-5 minute team building ideas that may lighten the mood or increase the feeling of comradery at the office. What about asking everyone to submit 1 holiday related joke and each day before work pick 1 and read it out loud to the staff, and even share it in the waiting room with your patients. Starting each day with a much-needed laugh during this hectic holiday season is an easy way to spread some holiday cheer! Let me start you off on the right foot! Why do snowmen go to the carrot patch? To pick their noses, of course! Wait! That’snot funny!!
Wishing you all the best and brightest that this season has to offer, from your friends at HRS and D-BOS.
