The Benefits of Employee Assistance Programmes

October 22, 2024Posted by: Charlotte

In today's fast-paced world, employees often find themselves juggling a range of responsibilities and challenges. From work-related pressures to personal struggles, the demands of daily life can impact both mental and physical wellbeing. This is where Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) come into play, providing essential support to help employees manage life’s difficulties and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

What is an Employee Assistance Programme?

An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is a work-based benefit that offers employees confidential support for a wide range of personal and professional issues. The goal of an EAP is to assist employees in addressing problems that could affect their performance, health, and overall wellbeing, both in and out of the workplace. These programmes are typically delivered through third-party providers, ensuring confidentiality.

Key Benefits of EAPs:

1. Improved Mental Health

EAPs are instrumental in helping employees manage stress, anxiety, and mental health issues. According to the Mental Health Foundation, work-related stress, depression, or anxiety accounted for 51% of all work-related ill health in the UK in 2022, highlighting the importance of early intervention. By providing access to professional counsellors, EAPs can help prevent these challenges from escalating, promoting a healthier, happier workforce.

2. Increased Productivity

When employees feel supported and have a resource to turn to for personal or work-related concerns, they are more likely to stay focused and productive. An EAP can help employees resolve issues faster, allowing them to return to their normal work routines with minimal disruption.

3. Confidential Support

One of the core strengths of an EAP is its confidentiality. Employees can seek help without worrying about judgement or repercussions, ensuring they feel comfortable addressing even the most sensitive matters.

4. Comprehensive Guidance

EAPs offer support on a wide variety of issues, including family concerns, financial difficulties, legal advice, and health problems. This holistic approach ensures that employees can receive help for any challenges they may face, improving their overall quality of life.

5. Boosted Employee Retention

When employees feel supported by their organisation, they are more likely to stay loyal and engaged. EAPs demonstrate a company’s commitment to its employees’ wellbeing, creating a positive workplace culture that promotes retention.

Why Employers Should Consider EAPs for Their Employees

For any business, the wellbeing of its employees is crucial to long-term success. Implementing an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) can be an effective way to support teams while enhancing workplace culture and performance. Here are a few reasons why employers might want to consider having an EAP in place:

• Reduced Absenteeism and Presenteeism: Absenteeism due to mental health issues is a growing concern. In 2022, stress, depression, and anxiety accounted for 17 million working days lost in the UK. An EAP can help employees address personal or health issues early on, potentially reducing the number of sick days taken. It can also minimise presenteeism, where employees may be at work physically but distracted by unresolved personal challenges.
• Enhanced Employee Engagement: Companies that invest in their employees’ wellbeing often see an increase in engagement. When employees feel supported, they are more likely to contribute positively to the organisation and stay motivated in their roles.
• Lower Turnover Costs: Retaining staff can be challenging and costly. An EAP can help improve employee satisfaction and retention, potentially reducing turnover rates and associated recruitment and training expenses.
• Attracting Top Talent: In a competitive job market, offering comprehensive mental health and wellbeing support, like an EAP, can be an attractive benefit to prospective employees. It’s a sign that your organisation values its people, helping you stand out in the recruitment process.
• Improved Workplace Morale: A workforce that feels cared for tends to have higher morale and a stronger sense of community. This can lead to better teamwork, innovation, and a positive company reputation.

While every organisation is different, introducing an EAP could be a valuable addition to your employee benefits package, helping both employees and the business to thrive.

PeoplePlus's Employee Assistance Programme

At PeoplePlus, we understand the unique pressures that employees face both at work and at home. To provide our team with the best possible support, we’ve launched a new Employee Assistance Programme, available 24/7, 365 days a year. This service, powered by Health Assured, offers unlimited confidential access to professional guidance and support, ensuring that help is always just a phone call or app away.

Through the Wisdom app and a dedicated telephone helpline, PeoplePlus employees can connect with qualified counsellors and legal advisers. Our EAP covers a wide range of concerns, including:

• Stress and anxiety
• Work-related issues
• Family and relationship matters
• Bereavement and trauma
• Financial wellbeing and debt advice
• Medical guidance, wills, and inheritance planning

Our EAP is here to ensure that no employee has to face their challenges alone.

Why PeoplePlus Prioritises Employee Wellbeing

At PeoplePlus, we believe that our employees are our greatest asset. By offering services like our Employee Assistance Programme, we aim to foster a supportive, caring work environment where everyone has access to the help they need. We are committed to promoting both the mental and physical health of our workforce, empowering them to thrive in both their professional and personal lives.

Implementing an Employee Assistance Programme is a smart, forward-thinking investment for businesses of all sizes. By prioritising the health and wellbeing of their employees, employers can create a more productive, engaged, and resilient workplace.

References:

• Health Assured (Health Assured | EAP, Workplace Health & Wellbeing Provider)
• CIPD. (2020). (Wellbeing at Work | Factsheets | CIPD)
• Mental Health Foundation. (2022). (Mental health at work: statistics | Mental Health Foundation)
• Office for National Statistics. (2022). Sickness absence in the UK labour market (Sickness absence in the UK labour market - Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk))

October 22, 2024Posted by: Charlotte