According to Northwestern National Life, "One-fourth of employees view their jobs as the number one stressor in their lives." The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) summarize job stress as "...when the requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, resources or needs of the worker".

Stress solutions are numerous, however the NIOSH has been able to concisely summarize stress related issues and their solutions. Also, stress related statistics, as well as the future of teleworking to resolve this costly issue, paint an overall direction that the employer and employer are inevitably heading.

Here are some fundamental stress solutions as outlined by NIOSH: 1) Balance work and family life, 2) Having a network of support from friends and co-workers, 3) Being able to maintain a relaxed and positive outlook.

NIOSH also lists the early warning signs of stress as being: 1) Headaches, 2) Sleep problems, 4) Having trouble concentrating, 5) Short temper, 6) Upset stomach, 7) Dissatisfied with job, 8) Morale that's low.

NIOSH has listed a summary of items to help Prevent Job Stress: 1) Building awareness of Job stress, such as the causes, the costs, and possible solutions, 2) Getting top management committed to supporting a program that solves stress issues, 3) Allowing the employee to be involved in stress solution programs, 4) Using Job Stress Consultants or hold in-office training.

Solving work related stress issues of today must involve thinking outside the box. Some companies have already started seeking solutions by implementing flexible work programs for their employees, such as teleworking options. As per the Telework Coalition, more than 22.2 million americans Teleworked in 2005, meaning they worked at home or other location away from the office.

According to "Commuting in America" a study for the National Academies, based mostly on census data, telecommuting, or working from home, is one of the fastest growing trends. The author of the report believes it will only increase in the future. Fascinating statistics from the July 2006 Hudson Highland Group are; (1) 23% of workers work at home or are given the choice; (2) 59% believe "part-time" teleworking is an appealing work situation-(includes 38% who think having the choice to come into to the office or work from home is ideal and 21% who say the best option is working at home; (3) 73% rarely or never get work done during their commute (despite technologies that allow employees to put in time while heading to and from work)

Productivity tools such as being able to remotely access your PC, or hold online meetings, or even use your pc as a telephone, are options available to employers and employees who wish to implement a work-at-home program. Once implemented companies must then learn to manage the virtual workforce and acquire tools needed for the employee to stay connected. To summarize, in 2005 44% of US Companies offered some type of telecommuting option, that's up from 32% in 2001. The International Telework Association and Council (ITAC), estimates that there will be over 40 million teleworkers in the US by 2010. Thus, it's safe to say that practical job solutions for work stress will involve the use of teleworking tools.