LifeCare^® Poll: Career Overtakes Finances as Leading Cause of Stress for Most

WESTPORT, Conn., June 26, 2006 – According to a new poll conducted on LifeCare^®, Inc.'s, private web site during the month of April, “job/career” has replaced “finances” as the leading cause of stress for most people. Thirty-two percent of respondents identified their job as their biggest stressor, while 24 percent selected finances. Finances consistently led job/career in past polls by LifeCare, a leading creator of high-quality life management services.

The reason for this turnaround? “First, people are being asked to do more with fewer resources, which means working longer hours and taking on more responsibility,” said LifeCare CEO, Peter G. Burki. “Naturally, that's going to raise stress levels. But it's also important to note that 'job/career' is more of a catch-all category than any of the others. It encompasses time management, work/life balance, compensation, relationship issues with bosses and co-workers, personal happiness and more. Add that all together and it's easy to see why job/career would top the poll results.”

The other leading causes of stress respondents cited were:

		Spouse/significant other — 12%
		Children/parenting issues — 9%
		Time management — 9%
		Caring for an older loved one — 5%
		Personal health — 4%
		Other — 5%

The good news, Burki said, is that more and more employers, health plan and insurance providers, and other organizations are helping people reduce stress through work/life programs. “By doing so, they're helping their clients, members and employees stay healthier and happier, and that equates to fewer stress-related healthcare claims filed, higher on-the-job productivity, less turnover and greater loyalty,” he stated. LifeCare, for example, offers clients a comprehensive array of stress management tools and resources, including those that address finances, work/life balance, child and elder care, on-the-job and personal relationships, health and wellness, time management—all of the stressors identified in the poll.

In addition, the company offers a variety of tools for managing work-related stress and daily challenges, in particular, including a growing list of online seminars that address such topics as: Managing Stress in the Workplace—Helping Others Deal with Stress; Managing Work and Life While Working Nontraditional Hours; Conflict Resolution; Coping with Change in the Workplace; Balancing Your Time—Work & Family Responsibilities; Dual Career Relationships—Strategies For Couples Who Work; Time Management & Organizational Skills (Overcoming Procrastination); and more.

Each month, LifeCare posts a poll on its private members' web site asking individuals to share their thoughts and opinions on the latest issues and work/life trends. The polls are open to employees and members of LifeCare's 1,500 client companies nationwide. Past polls have addressed topics such as family caregiving challenges, aging, flexible work arrangements, special needs children, and barriers to on-the-job productivity.

Notes to Editors

Peter G. Burki is available for interview.

About LifeCare^®, Inc.
For 22 years, LifeCare has provided people with customized care plans for all aspects of their personal and professional lives, including child care and parenting, elder care and healthy aging, education and personal growth, financial and legal matters, and far beyond. LifeCare serves 1,500 client companies with 4.5 million individuals within corporations, health plans, government agencies and unions. For more information, visit www.lifecare.com.

Media contact: Michael Civiello
LifeCare, Inc.
pr1@lifecare.com
203-291-4170