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Well-Being In The Work Place
A Published Article on May 28, 2008 by Phil House

In March 2008, the ninth annual Work, Stress and Health conference was held in Washington, D.C. Review of the summary of the conference sessions in the APA Monitor, highlighted some items of interest to many of us in the workplace.

Recent research of employees reveals that many employees go to work nursing their colds and flu symptoms and are present at work about half the time on days when they are sick. Most of those who show up to work sick, engage in this behavior because they don’t want their colleagues to have to pick up their workload, or feel that they must meet work deadlines. This finding tends to counter the belief among many employers that their staff often takes sick days when they are not sick.

Surprising research findings reported that a review of 110 studies over 21 years found that employees experiencing bullying on the job, experienced more job stress, less job commitment and higher levels of anger and anxiety than those individuals experiencing sexual harassment. They indicated that the often-insidious nature of bullying behavior in the workplace makes it more difficult to deal with effectively than other forms of harassment.

Commuting to and from work was found to be less negative in its impact on employee well being, than the erratic nature of the commute – due to weather, traffic or other factors such as vehicle malfunctions. Those individuals, who perceived their commute as a time to transition from home to work and work to home, experienced less commuter stress.

Personal communication of supervisors and employers with employees was found to result in healthier workplaces and employees. Being able to share thoughts and feelings, however briefly, with a supervisor or manager makes the work environment a healthier place to work.

A couple of other studies found that having flexible work arrangements tends to enhance employee productivity since it allows them to engage in improved life management. Employees with flexibility in their work schedules are found to experience lower stress at work and to have less work related injuries.

This conference pointed out the value of occupational health psychologists sharing their research findings and knowledge.

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