The recent economic downturn has increased stress levels across the country, and U.S. employers are taking notice. According to a new poll by Free & Clear, a national leader in healthy behavior change, 86% of companies are concerned about the level of stress among their employees, and 88% of employers believe the tough economy has had a negative effect on workers’ stress levels.

“U.S. companies are seeing the impact of the economy reflected in the health and wellbeing of their employees,” said Tim McAfee, Free & Clear’s Chief Medical Officer. “Our poll shows that employers are worried about the effects of stress and want to do something about it. While an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for workers having trouble dealing with stress is a good first step, companies may need to consider more intensive measures to address stress and the unhealthy behaviors that accompany it.”

Most employers Free & Clear surveyed (89 percent) agree that the level of stress among their workforce has increased recently; the impact of stress on a person’s health is significant. Between 70 percent and 80 percent of doctor office visits are due to stress-related illnesses, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Stress, which often manifests itself in overeating, smoking and sleeplessness, has been tied to colds, gastrointestinal problems and more serious ailments, including heart disease.

“Many Americans turn to unhealthy coping strategies, like smoking and overeating, when they are unable to manage stress,” said Dr. Jennifer Lovejoy, Free & Clear’s Executive Director of Weight and Nutrition Services. “With tobacco use costing employers up to $5,455 per smoker and obesity costing up to $1,991 per overweight employee in excess costs annually, businesses need to offer help to their employees to manage both stress and the unhealthy behaviors that tend to accompany it.”