With recent statistics showing that 84 percent of workers have been negatively affected by conditions at work, employers should help workers learn to manage emergencies, stress and their moods, according to a survey released yesterday by Taipei City's Department of Health (DOH).
Eleven large-scale companies participated in the study, which was conducted in the early part of the year by the DOH.
The results showed that 55.4 percent of respondents were concerned about where to seek advice in emergency situations, 54.2 percent wanted help with stress management and 48.8 percent wanted lessons and professional counseling relating to mood control.
PHOTO: LIN HSIANG-MEI, TAIPEI TIMES
"As a result of these studies the DOH held a series of 51 courses in the community relating to these issues," head of the Medical Affairs Division, Kao Wei-chun (高偉君), said.
According to counseling expert Chiu Yung-lin (
This was related to the nature of the work itself, including friction between fellow employees, the atmosphere and culture of the organization, as well as each employee's social support network and their future career aspirations.
"Research has also shown that if these sources of stress are not resolved, related illnesses such as indigestion and coronary disease, are the result. In particular the risk of heart disease may increase by as much as up to four times," Kao said.
"Psychologists emphasize that taking regular breaks away from work is the best way to defend against stress-related symptoms," she added.
Some stress-reduction techniques recommended by the DOH include muscle-relaxation exercises, breathing exercises, listening to music and exercise.
More information can be found by visiting the Web site mental.health.gov.tw or by calling (02) 3393-6779, ext. 11.
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