From the November 2007 issues of Ceridian Connection

As we head into the holiday season, stress levels begin to rise as people feel the pressures of the season mounting. Diana Balicki, a Ceridian LifeWorks consultant, identifies the top three reasons why employees call for support at this time of year. Learn what triggers issues, why they're more prevalent during the holidays and how LifeWorks can help keep your workforce productive with practical advice and caring concern.

Holiday stressor #1: Finances
"When it comes to stress at the holidays, lack of money is at the top of the list," Balicki says. "Because Christmas and Hanukah are increasingly commercialized, there is additional pressure to 'keep up with the Joneses.' Children are exposed to social and advertising pressures, too. They're quick to ask for expensive items -- and that can cause stress for parents who don't want to disappoint their child."

Many employees who contact LifeWorks face the conflicting realities of their finances and the pressures associated with gift giving. "Many callers are already struggling with credit card debt and the thought of adding to that burden causes anxiety," explains Balicki.

What can be done to relieve the stress caused by financial issues? "There's nothing more powerful than talking with someone who expresses genuine warmth and concern," Balicki says. "The voice of a caring person can make an immediate difference to someone who feels anxious, under stress or depressed. Employees who contact a LifeWorks consultant are able to talk with someone who understands exactly where they're coming from -- and they can offer a wealth of resources to help."

LifeWorks consultants perform a brief assessment to determine the caller's situation. For example, do they lack money for a holiday dinner or children's gifts? Are they financially overextended? "Once the financial stressors are determined, a consultant researches community resources, charity associations or financial specialists. They help employees with practical advice for any number of reasons," Balicki says.

Holiday stressor #2: Family relations
"Traditionally, holidays bring families together and it is human nature to measure our family against our ideal of family life," she says. "But that's not reality. Many people have family relationships that are contentious. Just the idea of bringing together disparate family members can cause anxiety; people find themselves dreading an experience they should instead celebrate -- and the dread causes feelings of guilt, which adds to the stress. We can help employees talk through their anxieties and provide counseling that helps them cope with their feelings, set realistic expectations and create family gatherings that are focused on the positive," Balicki explains.

Many people associate the holidays with remembering family members who have passed away. "Grief issues abound when it's someone's first holiday without a loved one," she states. "Others feel the sting of loneliness. They may be the last remaining member of their family or far apart from family and friends socially or geographically. At a time when family and togetherness is celebrated, the holidays can be particularly tough for people in these circumstances."

LifeWorks counselors are the first line of defense for those who suffer loneliness or grief. "The support we provide can make a huge difference for these people," Balicki explains. "We'll refer the employee to a counselor in their area and provide research on bereavement groups that can offer much-needed solace and companionship. When someone feels lonely, we also explore their interests. Then we can offer suggestions about volunteer opportunities or additional ways to interact with others. Connecting with the community can be an effective solution for those who feel socially disengaged."

Holiday stressor #3: Substance abuse
Many people deal with holiday pressures by abusing substances including alcohol and drugs or by overeating. "They use substances as a means to cope and find solace," Balicki says. Substance abuse can take a toll on an employee's productivity at work, and our Employee Assistance Program consultants can help make a real difference.

"We give employees the information they need to overcome the need to abuse food, drugs or alcohol," she says. "They get immediate, confidential access to resources that get them back on track. Whether it's in person, by phone, online or by referral, we help people handle the challenges. They get the advice they need to be fully present and fully productive on the job."

The holidays don't always bring on negative behaviors. With a new year on the horizon, many people are hopeful and it's a time for New Year's resolutions. "There's great potential in the desire to have a fresh start and to tackle destructive behaviors such as substance abuse and overeating," she says.

"Our counselors are experts at taking a person's desire to change and turning it into real behavior change. We counsel and provide recommendations to local support groups. We also provide employees with research, education and information. It's fulfilling for us to take a person's wish and turn it into a positive life change. It's a great feeling to make a difference in people's lives -- during the holidays and throughout the year."

Ceridian solutions make a real difference
Work-Life Services
Ceridian's Work-Life services can remove barriers that interfere with an employee's job performance. Our resources and referrals can help your employees effectively manage their personal and professional needs.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
By providing anytime/anywhere access to help with your employees' needs, our EAP makes it possible for every member of your staff to address personal and professional issues before performance is affected. Your managers get help, too -- with access to expert management tools that help them address employee issues and other workplace challenges.

Integrated EAP and Work-Life Services
Ceridian's integrated employee assistance program and work-life services drive productivity by helping employees work at their full potential with in-depth consultation and interactive online resources.

Contact your Ceridian representative to find out how you can improve the productivity of your workforce with Ceridian's EAP and Work-Life programs.

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Stress rises during
the holidays
A recent poll by the American Psychological Association provides some insight into the issues that cause the most stress for Americans during the holiday season. Money issues were at the top of the list for holiday stress. According to the survey, 61 percent of Americans listed "lack of money" as the top cause of their stress during the holidays.

What' s next on the list of holiday stressors? The pressures of gift giving, lack of time and credit card debt. The survey reveals that younger Americans are more worried about lack of money and gift giving compared to people over the age of 35.

One in five Americans are worried that holiday stress could affect their physical health. Thirty-six percent of respondents reported they either eat or drink alcohol to cope with holiday stress, while 45 percent say they rely on exercise to relieve stress.

Source: http://www.apa.org/releases/holidaystress.html