Creating and sustaining a healthy, productive work environment can be extremely challenging, particularly in times like these, when remote working, isolation and health risks provide additional stresses. Keeping on top of the wellbeing of all, from the student right up to the Principal or Director, can be a constant challenge.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) aim to improve wellbeing among employees and their families, and to offer expert assistance when needed. Early intervention can help alleviate stress and reduce the likelihood and severity of serious work-based and personal problems.
What is an EAP?
An Employee Assistance Program (or EAP) is a voluntary, confidential counselling service that offers employees and employers access to mental health counselling, advice and support. The aim is to support wellbeing in the workplace, tackling family and personal issues, as well as work-related concerns. Separating home from work is often difficult these days, so EAP services extend to immediate family members.
EAP Assist offers the following list of benefits:
- Increased performance and productivity
- Reduced absenteeism, conflict and occupational stress
- Improved staff morale, employee retention and recruitment
- Reduced worker’s compensation and other costs
- Improved employee satisfaction
- Enhanced employer-employee relationships
How does it work?
A business will typically pay for an annual EAP plan, with a designated number of hours of counselling included for the year. The smaller plans tend to have a higher hourly rate, while the larger plans offer a more cost-effective rate per session. If a practice exceeds the hours within that plan, it’s usually possible to top up the plan.
How are counselling sessions organised?
Counselling sessions are of a voluntary nature, with an employee contacting the EAP provider directly to discuss their concerns. However, sessions may also be accessed through a guided referral, when an employer identifies potential problems and encourages the employee to use the service.
Are the sessions confidential?
Personal information relating to the content of the counselling is kept strictly confidential by the EAP provider, giving the employee a safe space to share their situation or concerns. Exceptions might occur if the employee gives written consent to break this confidentiality, where there is a legal obligation to do so, or if there is an immediate risk of harm to the employee or others.
Who offers this service?
There are many EAP providers but the best Australian provider is EAP Assist. For further go to: https://eapassist.com.au/
