SHELTON, CT, March 24, 2010—Despite a growing number of media reports that the economy is improving, more than half of the nation’s workers are “much more concerned” about their finances than they were one year ago, according to a poll conducted in February by LifeCare®, Inc. Only seven percent say they are “less concerned.”
Here are the full results of the poll, which asked participants to rate their level of concern regarding their finances as compared to one year ago:
– Much more concerned — 52%
– Same level of concern — 24%
– A little more concerned — 15%
– Less concerned — 7%
– Much less concerned — 2%
“Even with the economy recovering, it’s going to take time for most American families to feel relief on a personal level, and that’s clearly reflected in the results of this poll,” said LifeCare CEO, Peter G. Burki. “Financial pressures have been building for most families for several years. In fact, the number of financially oriented cases we handle at LifeCare began rising significantly in 2008 — and then that number just exploded in 2009.”
In just the first six weeks of 2009, as compared to the same period in 2008, LifeCare saw a 70 percent increase in the number of calls for credit/debt counseling and a 35 percent increase in requests for information about state programs and/or grants for rent, food and utility assistance. “The number of finance-related calls we handle has fallen back a bit since that spike,” Burki noted, “but finances continue to be one of the leading reasons people seek our help. And roughly half of the stress-related calls we receive turn out to have a financial component to them.”
Each month, LifeCare posts a poll on its private web site asking individuals to share their thoughts and opinions on the latest issues and work/life trends. Past polls have addressed topics such as workplace stress, health and wellness, financial and legal issues, and work/life balance.
About LifeCare®, Inc.
LifeCare is a leading provider of health and productivity solutions for employers nationwide, offering cost-saving benefits that help clients reduce their most pervasive absenteeism and productivity drains, including child and elder care, caregiving support, health and wellness issues, and more. For more than two decades, LifeCare has led the work/life industry in the creation of high-quality, results-oriented programs designed to improve clients’ bottom lines. 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.
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Notes to Editors
LifeCare’s CEO, Peter G. Burki, is available for interview.
Media contact: Michael Civiello, 203-291-3756
This press release was distributed through PR Web by Human Resources Marketer (HR Marketer: www.HRmarketer.com) on behalf of the company listed above.