Wellness

Work-related stress can have serious physical and emotional repercussions. The American Psychological Association states that work-related stress can cause stomach problems, sleep issues, headaches and irritability. Read APA's seven recommendations for managing stress.

Prescription drug abuse is a rising epidemic that can significantly affect the workplace. Symptoms of prescription drug abuse can be hard to spot. However, if you suspect an employee is abusing or addicted to a prescription medication, contact human resources or your employee assistance program.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists steps employers can take to help minimize the spread of flu.

Shift work may be a fact of life for many U.S. workers, but the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation warns that such work can have serious repercussions.

Poor eating habits and lack of physical activity are the major contributing factors to being overweight or obese in the United States, according to the World Health Organization. If people made the choices to eat better, engage in more physical activity and quit smoking, at least 80 percent of all heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes – and up to 40 percent of cancer – could be prevented, WHO says.

Adequate sleep is important for an individual’s health and well-being. Most experts recommend getting between seven and nine hours of sleep every day, which can be difficult to achieve, especially for people who work during nighttime hours or on a rotating shift schedule.

According to NIOSH, research has found that stress can increase employees’ risk of developing cardiovascular disease and musculoskeletal disorders, particularly in the back and upper extremities.

Not getting an adequate amount of sleep can negatively impact the health and safety of workers. Working or driving while drowsy can put workers and those around them at real danger.