Workplace stress is increasing, and employees frequently fail to ask for assistance. Coworker conflicts, heavy workloads, concerns about job security, as well as private issues are just a few of the pressures that are posing difficulties. Although employers can try to control aspects like work-life balance and concerns about job security, they frequently fail to be aware of what is going on in an employee’s personal life and the way that is influencing their performance on the job. Workers who are concerned about their job security tend to keep these matters private out of fear of losing their jobs.
Nevertheless, the consequences of personal troubles do extend to the job, where they may cause concerns like poor customer service, absences from work more frequently, and diminished performance. EAP program for help workers are intended to support staff members in overcoming these obstacles. It is estimated that 77 per cent of firms provide their workers with these kinds of programmes. However, what is the purpose of employee assistance programmes and the way they operate in the workplace? Knowing the specifics may assist you in deciding if these programmes are appropriate for your business.
What Is A Programme For Employee Assistance?
Employee assistance programmes are benefits provided to staff members to aid in resolving a range of possible issues which could impact their ability to do their jobs. Consider a mother who recently found out that her adolescent daughter is doing drugs, for instance. The mother is distraught and is at a loss for what to do. Her anxiety and stress levels at work have an impact on her productivity and efficiency. The fact that her daughter’s school gets in touch with her at work to let her know that her child skipped school once more just makes her angry.
These kinds of scenarios are the ones for which an EAP is intended to offer assistance. The mother may reach the EAP, describe the circumstances, and receive resources and advice regarding what to do next to aid her child. In addition to lowering stress, this could allow the worker to ask for assistance with more attention at work. In addition to receiving individual counselling, the mother could also be eligible for digitally enhanced EAP services, which give her round-the-clock access to resources like courses on cognitive behavioural therapy and brief counselling.
To obtain information and assistance on what to do next to obtain aid for her child, the mother may reach the EAP, describe the issue, and receive support. This could allow the worker to better focus at work while requesting assistance and help minimise stress. The mother can receive one-on-one counselling as well as the use of digitally upgraded EAP services, which give her round-the-clock access to resources like courses in cognitive behavioural therapy and short-term counselling.
What Advantages Might An Employee Assistance Programme Offer?
An effective EAP benefits all parties involved. Professional counselling is available to your staff (as well as their family) at no cost, without restrictions, promptly, and around the clock. Another major benefit is the secrecy. Investing in both the mental and physical well-being of your employees will ultimately benefit your company. Workers may handle personal concerns with the assistance of EAP. It raises efficiency, morale, and staff engagement. Conflict at work, absenteeism, and presenteeism are all decreased with EAP treatment. Long-term, it aids in creating a positive workplace culture that draws and keeps bright people.
Read more here: How EAP Counselling Boosts Workplace Productivity?
Recognising An EAP’s Objective
An EAP’s goal is to assist staff members in striking an equilibrium between work and personal life. Even the most bright and committed workers have difficulty separating work from personal issues, so it’s critical to help them through difficult times. Let’s take an individual with a proven track record in marketing as a case study. The way she performs is so poor that the management is thinking about placing her on an improvement plan after her sales abruptly decline. The employee is experiencing grief at the recent loss of a close friend, which the management is unaware of. It’s challenging enough to get to the office in the morning, let alone exceed sales targets.
She keeps missing a lot of work days, and things are just getting worse. The employee is intend to receive assistance from the EAP early on. She can talk to the EAP provider about the issue and refer to the appropriate resources as soon as she begins to notice that something is off. She will begin to feel better, which will reduce the number of work days she misses, and everything is going to get much better overall. Supervisors may be useful in explaining the goal of an EAP. They may inform an employee about the EAP if they are aware that the employee is having personal challenges.
Final Words
By encouraging prompt action, enhancing employee psychological well-being, resolving conflicts, lowering staff turnover, and guaranteeing adherence to legal as well as moral norms, EAPs help a firm reduce risk.
