Mental illness costs 27 billion euros

BGN sensitized managers for the issue of stress - action guide with checklists and recommendations

Mental illness is the leading cause of disease-related early retirements: In recent years 15 which increased from 15,4 37,7 percent to percent, the cost of these diseases amount to almost 27 billion euros. With the brochure "Do not bother with the stress" has published a practical guide for managers who trade association food and hospitality industry (BGN), which describes the use of mental strain and stress as a management task and gives practical tips for everyday life. A corresponding guidance document, which is aimed at employees, was published last year.

believes more than a third, not endure until retirement

More than a third of employees in the EU report on stress-related health problems. Likewise, many employees in Germany are of the opinion that they probably can not practice until retirement age their work under the current requirements, says a study by the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions in the year 2008 - and rising. In fact, long-term stress many serious diseases paves the way: Physical consequences such as tinnitus, back pain, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular problems are increasing, as typical diseases of the psyche, such as burnout, depression or anxiety. The question of what people will stress is complex, because the feeling of stress is unique and very different. One and the same object can for a stress mean while another finds them interesting challenge.

Stress avoidance is a management task

A special role in the world of work have the view of many scientists executives, because they shape through its leadership culture and interaction of team and department. Many studies show that the partnership, employee-oriented management style that is based on fairness, support, cooperation and trust, is especially suitable to reduce stress.

"The task of leaders it belongs to reduce avoidable stress and provide adequate support to employees who show signs of stress disorders," says psychologist Andrea Weimar from BGN and recommends that the information contained in the brochure 11-point check.

"With three or more that apply are probably approaches an overload and fatigue from repetitive stress before, hit seven or more statements on the health is in serious danger," warns the BGNExpertin.

Numerous positive effects of "healthy leadership"

As a manager, you can act positively and strengthen the resources of the employees at all levels. A leadership about the employees perceive as beneficial to health, has a positive effect on the performance of employees and the profitability of the company, Bertelsmann AG found.

The best-run areas, however, had an almost 30 percent below the company average lying absenteeism, poorly managed areas were up to 46 percent above this quota.

The brochure "Do not bother with the stress" is a practical action help executives aware of the issue of stress and gives valuable suggestions. Created the guide as part of the project "Mental health in the workplace - psyGA transfer" is that of the "New Initiative Qualiät work" (INQA) was promoted. the brochure of all BGN-member companies may be obtained free of charge via the media shop under www.bgn.de or download (Short Link 1150).

Source: Mannheim [BGN]