At workplaces, including AT&T and Yahoo and many others, employers are offering stress-reduction techniques like massage, yoga, and tai chi. According to a report in the New York Times, many of these programs originated in the go-go 1990s when employers sought to offer some consolation and comfort to people working excessive hours. Although the economy has changed, many of the programs remain.

Research shows that the benefits of stress-reduction programs may be short-lasting, but suggests they can nevertheless be valuable. Participants report feeling better after a massage or class are over, but unless people make the meditation or yoga part of a regular or even daily routine, the effects may not last. Another catch is that for some people with competing appointments and endless deadlines, the stress-relief session can become just one more thing they have to get to.

The Times quotes stress expert Dr. Peter L. Schnall, who says the best hedge against stress is some degree of control over one's work. He and others have shown that workers most likely to develop high blood pressure toil under unforgiving deadlines with little control over their workday. Examples offered are bus drivers on heavily traveled routes and nurses in demanding hospital positions.