Give yourself a break!(PCPS UPDATE)

How does your firm fight busy season stress? It is estimated that work-related stress costs American businesses $300 billion a year due to absenteeism, turnover, lower productivity and medical and related costs. Even if practitioners aren't seeing direct stress-related costs, it's clear that happier workers are more likely to enjoy higher productivity. Michelle Baca of ConvergenceCoaching, LLC, offers these tips on solutions firms can use to minimize stress during the coming busy season.

Relaxation and Renewal

* Bring in a masseuse to give 15-minute chair massages.

* Take periodic stretching or dancing breaks.

* Hold an in-house yoga or meditation class during lunch.

* Design a "resting room" where people can go to take a break, read a magazine or take a power nap.

* Bring in exercise equipment like a treadmill or elliptical machine. (Exercise releases endorphins, the "feel good" chemicals, and is one of the best stress management techniques we know of!)

* Encourage people to leave the building. Organize lunch outings to a nearby park or think of another excuse to get some fresh air.

Fuel for the Body

* Bring in yogurt, fruit, bagels or muffins for breakfast.

* Provide healthy afternoon snacks like fruit, yogurt, pretzels or nuts.

* Take orders and go on a morning or afternoon coffee run.

* Bring in restaurant menus for team members who are working through dinner and order in.

* Provide breakfast and lunch on Saturdays.

* Sponsor theme days with complimentary food, like a Mexican fiesta, Hawaiian luau, Italian feast, barbeque, etc.

* Organize a potluck day where everyone contributes a menu item or host a chili cook off.

Games and Contests

* Develop trivia games with prizes for the winner. Create themes such as "The Olympics" or "Songs from the 90s."

* Have team members bring in their baby pictures and hold a contest to see who can make the most correct matches.

* Play memory games or have "Survivor Challenges" like who can stand on one leg the longest.

Convenience and Family Considerations

* Consider making a concierge service available to run...