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New Yorkers Claim More Stress than Other Americans

Nearly three-fourths (74%) of office workers in New York City believe they are more stressed-out than those who live elsewhere, and that this stress is being exacerbated by the economic crisis, according to a recent survey from Haw Par Healthcare.

The survey also reveals that 61% of respondents say they are feeling more stress than before the economic crisis began, and almost half (43%) are working more than they did a year ago. Six in 10 report spending six or more hours a day at their desk, and more than half (53%) say that this time at work is causing them stress and physical pain.

Moreover, 65% of respondents who report clocking longer hours or working harder now than they did a year ago say that stress-related pain is affecting their productivity at work.

Cutbacks in Self Pampering

At the same time that stress and stress-related pain is increasing, 57% of New York office workers report cutting down on “self-pampering” indulgences, such as massages, hair maintenance and manicures, Haw Par said.

Additional findings from the research:

• 39% of respondents say their stress-related pain is most heavily concentrated in the neck and shoulder area.
• 62% say that the decline in their savings and retirement accounts is a primary sources of stress.
• Despite cutting down on self-pampering indulgences, more than two-thirds (69%) still believe that a massage can help relieve stress-related pain.

The survey, which was undertaken in connection with the introduction of Tiger Balm Neck & Shoulder Rub in the Big Apple, gauged New York office workers’ stress and pain levels, causes of their stress and pain, and how stress and pain is affecting work productivity during the economic downturn.

The most recent data from the US Census Bureau show that New York City and its surrounding area, with 19 million people, is the largest metropolitan area in the United States.

“Since New York is the home of the nation’s financial center, it’s not surprising that almost three quarters of New Yorkers surveyed believe that they are feeling it worse than everybody else,” said AK Han, director and general manager of Haw Par Healthcare Ltd, which makes Tiger Balm.

About the survey: The survey of 500 New Yorkers who live and work in office settings throughout Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island was commissioned by Haw Par Healthcare, Ltd. It was conducted in March 2009.