First published on Thursday, June 4, 2020
Last updated on Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Today, employee health and wellbeing is a top priority and employee assistance programs play a key role in this environment.
But what exactly is an EAP? And how can workplace wellbeing support services benefit both employees and organisations?
We’re delving into the core components of an employee assistance program and the services it offers as well as the various benefits of implementing one.
Understanding EAPs is the first step to fostering a healthier workplace environment, so keep reading to discover how workplace wellbeing support services can serve as a lifeline for employees navigating both personal and professional challenges.
Understanding Employee Assistance Programs
An EAP is a program designed to support employees and improve their overall wellbeing–in and outside of the workplace–ultimately benefiting the employee as well as your organisation as a whole.
A happy and healthy employee is a productive employee that is able to work hard without experiencing symptoms of burnout. Caring for the health and wellbeing of your staff can also reduce absenteeism and create a supportive, loyal workplace culture.
An EAP provides employees with a host of resources and support including confidential counselling that can help them to work through any challenges they may face both personally and professionally.
Why should you turn to EAPs?
With 42.9% of Australians aged 16-85 having experienced a mental health issue at some time in their life, according to the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, it stresses the need to offer your employees with a service to enhance their mental health.
That's where an EAP comes in. They offer a range of services that can help employees address personal and professional issues.
The range of services include but aren’t limited to:
Counselling: EAPs can assist employees dealing with personal issues like family conflict, depression, anxiety, and grief. Employees can learn coping strategies to gain control over their issues.
Crisis assistance: Employees can get instant support when dealing with a traumatic incident or accident.
Health and wellness support: Advice on nutrition and physical and mental wellbeing are all part of an EAP.
Guidance: On chronic health support as well as topics like OCD, sleep, menopause, and more—straight from the experts.
Family advice: To support parents and children of elderly parents with childcare and eldercare challenges.
So, it’s available to all your employees no matter what stage of life or issue they may be facing.
The benefits of an Employee Assistance Program
Given how varied the services an EAP provides can be, it’s no surprise that the benefits it provides are so wide ranging.
Key benefits of workplace wellbeing support services for employees:
Confidential support: EAPs provide a safe space for employees to talk through their personal and professional issues privately without the fear of it being used against them.
Reduced stress and anxiety: An EAP is a valued and effective mental health resource that employees can lean on as and when they need it. It can help them address any issues related to anxiety, stress, and depression.
Improved morale: Having access to complimentary support resources can lead to improved morale and increased job satisfaction for employees in the long term.
Expanded skill set: Employees can learn healthy communication skills, stress management, and conflict resolution from professionals.
Key benefits of an EAP for you as an employer:
Enhanced employee productivity: By providing employees with an outlet for any concerns they may have and professional support to deal with difficulties, you are creating a more positive workspace and boosting productivity as a result.
Less sick days: By prioritising mental health at work, you will see a reduced level of employee absenteeism.
Improved employee retention: As employees feel more valued in the workplace, you as an organisation will experience enhanced employee loyalty and retention.
Crisis management: EAPs can assist organisations in managing crises and incidents in the workplace.
Compliance: An employee assistance program can help ensure you are compliant with any psychosocial work health & safety regulations.
Cost savings: Having an EAP available for your staff helps you meet your obligations as an employer, lower the risk of costly workplace claims, and health care costs. Saving you money and stress in the long term.
Promoting the use of an EAP in your business
Of course, for an EAP to be effective, employees must be made aware of the resources available to them at every opportunity. As an employer, there are several ways you can promote the benefits of an EAP and reduce the stigma around utilising the program:
Mention the benefits of the employee assistance program regularly via company onboardings, emails, newsletters, and meetings.
Appoint an EAP representative who can lead seminars and training sessions on what the program offers.
Ensure managers are adequately trained on the benefits, so they can communicate clearly with employees.
Make the resources easily accessible to employees and highlight confidentiality to alleviate any concerns.
Kick off regular internal wellbeing campaigns around key dates and particularly busy periods for your company.
Remind employees regularly that they can access the EAP at their disposal.
A well-promoted EAP will not only support employee wellbeing but will also contribute to a much healthier workplace overall.
EAP–one step towards workplace wellness
An EAP is only one part of a network of employee wellbeing initiatives you should have in place. To get the most out of implementing a program like this, it’s essential that you integrate it into the wider wellness initiatives of your organisation. The first step to do this is to make sure the goals of the EAP align with your overall wellness strategy.
Promote the services of the EAP alongside other health and fitness challenges and use the EAP as a core resource when participating in any mental health campaigns. This will give your EAP maximum visibility within the workplace and increase its chance of success.
Get an EAP for your Australian business
An EAP is a valuable investment for Australian businesses and can ultimately benefit both your employees and your organisation as a whole.
It offers personalised mental health support and helps employees navigate life’s challenges with more ease.
If you want to reduce employee sickness and boost productivity simultaneously with employee wellbeing initiatives, BrightHR can help.
Book a demo today and discover how you can improve employee retention and build a positive workplace culture.
