Tackling Stress Just Got a Whole Lot Easier with Morneau Shepell's New Online Stress Management Program

New site helps users navigate information, resources and support to cope with stress.

TORONTO, Oct. 17, 2011 /CNW/ - With stress levels at an all-time high, people are finding it increasingly difficult to manage stress in their work, health and life. Morneau Shepell Ltd., through the Shepell•fgi brand, has launched a new Online Stress Management Program. Focused on the user experience, the comprehensive program features proven techniques presented in an engaging and interactive real-time online environment to help people more easily cope with stress and make meaningful changes in their lives.

"We're finding that stress is one of the top three issues of which people are accessing our Employee Assistance Program [EAP] for support, year after year, and these levels are on the rise," explains Barb Veder, Clinical Director, Shepell•fgi. "Unless individuals are provided with immediate, proper care, these issues can develop into more serious and longer-lasting mental and physical health conditions."

Interactive features added to the program include important tools such as action email reminders, a three-month goal overview calendar, an area to record thoughts and evaluate one's thinking patterns, stress-busting games and activities and real-time status indicators showing goal progress.

The online program provides users with anytime, anywhere access via the Internet so individuals can work at their own pace and convenience with ensured confidentiality. Based on detailed individual stress assessments users can learn techniques, set goals, create an action plan for behaviour change and monitor their progress.

In 2010, almost one-quarter (24%) of Canadians aged 15 or older felt that most days were extremely or quite stressful.¹ Employers also have reason for concern; mental health problems can result in lost productivity, absenteeism and burnout, costing the Canadian economy an estimated $14.4 billion.²

"In our business, people come first and by continuing to focus on how and when those people want to receive support, we're introducing new and unique programs that are making it even easier for them to seek and receive confidential assistance," states Rita Fridella, Senior Vice-President, Operations and Chief Clinician, Shepell•fgi. "We're able to help clients who are more likely to access support online, be it via a website, instant chat or mobile app."

Morneau Shepell

Morneau Shepell is the largest Canadian-based firm offering industry-leading benefits and pension consulting, outsourcing, as well as health and productivity solutions. The company works with clients to develop innovative solutions that integrate with their business strategies to achieve results. Through Benefits and Health Solutions Consulting, Pension Consulting, Health Management, Administration Solutions and Shepell•fgi's Employee Assistance Program, Morneau Shepell helps clients reduce costs, increase employee productivity, and improve their competitive positions by supporting their employees' financial security, health and well-being.

Established in 1962, Morneau Shepell serves over 8,000 clients, ranging from small businesses to some of the largest corporations and associations in North America. With approximately 2,500 employees in offices across North America, we provide services to organizations across Canada, in the United Sates and around the globe.

Morneau Shepell Inc. is a publicly traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). For more information, visit www.morneaushepell.com.

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¹ Adapted from Statistics Canada, http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/110621/dq110621b-eng.htm, Oct. 6 2011.
² T. Stephens and N. Joubert, "The economic burden of mental health problems in Canada," Chronic Dis Can. (2001); 22(1):18-23, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11397346.