Twenty-five percent of working Canadians say that their workplace is a major contributor of stress and anxiety in their lives. Although minor workplace stress can have a positive effect on how we perform our jobs, chronic occupational stress can lead to illness and lost productivity. This year alone, the estimated cost to Canadian business from employees' stress-related disorders will be about $5 billion!

For employers it is good business to make the workplace a healthy environment which helps to diminish the hidden costs of stress such as employee turnover, absenteeism and illness.

For employees reducing stress means increasing your emotional and physical well being. More time for relaxation and renewal, and improved life satisfaction can result in more creativity and accomplishment at work.

For the community, reducing workplace stress will reduce its negative impact on community life, as over-stressed workers have less time to devote to their families and community activities. And health care for stress-related illnesses is an added financial burden to the community.