Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Digest

We're stressed at work, and want massages

By TIMES WIRES
Published November 12, 2006

Trying to rub away office stress in your neck and back? You're not alone, says a survey of 909 office workers by Swingline Workplace Tools:

- Two-thirds of workers reported they have some kind of physical problems because of job-related stress and exertion. The most common ailment was fatigue.

- Workplace massages ranked as the most wanted remedy, say 46 percent of workers, followed by ergonomic desk chairs at 36 percent.

- Nearly one-quarter said larger or adjustable computer screens would alleviate some of their pain, while 27 percent would rather take more breaks to relieve stress.

Neon isn't for everyone, but ...

Not all consumers add flames and neon lights to their wheels, but most personalize their cars through some kind of modification, says survey of 855 adults by Consumer Reports:

- More than three-fourths of consumers ages 18 to 34 and 74 percent of 35- to 50-year-olds personalize their vehicles, while 68 percent of drivers 55 or older change their cars.

- The auto tuning trends cuts across gender lines too, with 70 percent of women and 77 percent of men doing it.

- More than three out of five focus on the interior of cars by adding new floor mats, a stereo system or car alarm, while one-third choose to personalize the exterior with new headlights, bedliners or spoilers.

- Forty-eight percent of modifiers are inspired by lifestyle, followed by comfort at 44 percent.

Independent women feel secure with their finances

Financial comfort comes with independence for many women, says an OppenheimerFunds Inc. survey of 275 women ages 55 or older with at least $500,000 in investable assets:

- Sixty-eight percent of divorcees and 65 percent of widows said they feel more financially comfortable than when they were married.

- More than half of widows reported that they enjoyed investing and learning about different investment options, and 45 percent said they felt qualified making their own investment decisions. Only 27 percent of married women and divorcees felt qualified.

- Nearly four out of five of respondents are happy with their investment managers, and 43 percent expect to rely on them more in the future.

[Last modified November 12, 2006, 01:05:24]