An Old Dominion researcher has devised a list of "vital signs" to measure the emotional health of a company - areas he says dramatically impact worker satisfaction and productivity.

Paul Stepanovich, assistant professor of community health professions, and management consultant Pamela J. Hopkins said vitality, integrity, tolerance, appreciation and latitude are the main elements of a healthy workplace.

"Some work environments are positive, nurturing and caring - healthy," Stepanovich said. "Others are negative, demeaning and abusive - unhealthy."

On-the-job stress can lead to alcoholism, marriage problems and health problems, he noted, adding that a stressful work environment is also unhealthy for businesses because it can reduce productivity, increase turnover and damage company loyalty.

According to the researchers, trust and caring are the two most important aspects of a job. "If you get employees to care about what they're doing, quality will follow," says Stepanovich.

The pair also discovered that managers are the source of most of the problems. They can interfere too much, punish workers for results out of their control and micromanage.

The researchers polled workers and managers to come up with a checklist of questions for companies to measure their healthiness:

Vitality
Is employee development a high priority?
Do people smile and joke?
Do employees genuinely care?
Are employees excited about their work?
Are there signs of pride and self-confidence?

Integrity
Is your pay fair compared to that of others?
Are you satisfied with the performance evaluation process?
Is there agreement between what top management says and does?
Do you feel you can safely challenge management decisions?
Does management respond to grievances?

Tolerance
Do men and women receive equal treatment?

Appreciation
Is the atmosphere positive?
Is there recognition for special work achievements?

Latitude/Empowerment
Is initiative rewarded?
Do managers give employees the freedom they need to do their jobs?
Do employees have input into decisions that affect them?