Escalating fuel costs and the turbulent state of the economy are taking its toll on employees.

"The more employees are paying at the pump and at the grocery store, the more stressed they are at work. And, this stress is hitting the bottom line, says Oliver Williams of Bensinger, DuPont & Associates. "The added pressure of tough economic times causes anxiety, depression, absenteeism, presenteeism ---- all of which impact productivity.

In a recent survey, Wayne Hochwarter, the Jim Moran Professor of Management at Florida State University's College of Business, found that gas prices were foremost on the minds of the 800 full-time employees polled. "People concerned with the effects of gas prices were significantly less attentive on the job, less excited about going to work, less passionate and conscientious and more tense, Hochwarter said. "These people also reported more 'blues' on the job. Employees were simply unable to detach themselves from the stress caused by escalating gas prices as they walked through the doors at work.

For most of these employees, help is just a phone call away. Counselors at their company's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) are uniquely trained to help individuals manage their stress, as well as resulting chronic conditions, such as depression and anxiety.
Some EAPs also have a financial education component through which employees can get professional counseling on basic financial planning and money management concepts --- ranging from debt management to 401K contributions.

"Where once focusing primarily on mental health and substance abuse issues, employee assistance programs have broadened their scope to address issues that impact employees ---- and financial issues are certainly rising to the top of the list, says Williams. "Employees need to know they can call their EAP to receive a no-cost consultation with a financial professional who can help them gain control over their financial concerns.




Bensinger DuPont & Associates is a privately owned professional services company that is dedicated to promoting healthy outcomes for employees, the workplace, individual and their families through a wide range of consultation, training and counseling services.