Stress-related medical conditions can take time away from work and can cost employers more than $150 billion a year. Almost 15 percent of workers’ compensation claims can be traced back to stress. Consider the following questions as they relate to your workplace to help evaluate the level of stress workers experience, and whether additional stress-prevention measures may be in order. Any checked red boxes indicate potential stressors for employees.
| Do workers consider their jobs as being too complex, repetitive or monotonous? | YES | NO |
| Are workers allowed some control over their job assignments? | YES | NO |
| Are workers allowed control over the way they do their work? | YES | NO |
| Are workers electronically monitored? | YES | NO |
| Are child and elder care programs available? | YES | NO |
| Do workers feel secure in their jobs? | YES | NO |
| Do workers feel valued? | YES | NO |
| Are workload demands seen as overwhelming, either physically or mentally? | YES | NO |
| Do managers and coworkers offer psychological support? | YES | NO |
| Is the workplace environmentally safe? | YES | NO |
| Do workers feel like managers are committed to their safety? | YES | NO |
| Has the company been purchased recently? | YES | NO |
| Have downsizing or layoffs occurred within the past 12 months? | YES | NO |
| Have employee benefits been cut recently? | YES | NO |
| Is mandatory overtime frequently required? | YES | NO |
| Do workloads vary greatly? | YES | NO |
| Is work fast-paced or done by machine? | YES | NO |
| Do workers have to react quickly and accurately to changing conditions? | YES | NO |
| Are there few opportunities for advancement? | YES | NO |
| Do workers have to cope with bureaucracy when they attempt their work? | YES | NO |
| Are personnel conflicts common on the job? | YES | NO |
| Is staffing, money, training or technology inadequate? | YES | NO |
| Are mental health benefits provided in health care coverage? | YES | NO |
| Are exercises and other stress reduction classes offered? | YES | NO |
| Are employees free to talk with each other during work hours? | YES | NO |
| Is there an employee communications program? | YES | NO |
| Does management talk openly with employees? | YES | NO |
Courtesy of Stevens Publishing


