How do I use an employee assistance programme as a business owner?

How do I use an employee assistance programme as a business owner?

As a business owner, one of the best investments you can make in your employees is an employee assistance programme (EAP). An employee assistance programme is a coaching and training service that helps employees with personal and professional issues that can affect their performance at work. An employee assistance programme can help your employees navigate work-related challenges, such as stress, burnout, or other mental health issues. It helps them to make wise decisions and can assist them in addressing difficult situations.

Implementing an EAP

When implementing an EAP, it’s important to ensure that your employees are aware of the programme and know how to access it. Having a clear policy about the EAP and how to use it for their benefit is also important. It’s important to make sure that your employees know that the EAP is confidential and that their personal information will remain secure. It is important that they know that their details will not be shared with anyone, including the business itself.

An EAP can be beneficial for both the employees and the business. The employees will have access to professional help from experienced mental health professionals. The coaching and training services can help them to better manage their work-related issues and improve their overall performance. The business benefits by having employees who are more productive, engaged, and motivated. Plus, studies have showed that and employee assistance programme can reduce absenteeism and increase staff retention. 

By having an employee assistance programme in place, you can provide your employees with the support they need to be successful in their roles. It’s an investment that can pay off in the long run by creating a positive work environment and improving the overall success of your business.

Selecting the right employee assistance programme

When deciding on taking on an employee assistance programme, or switching suppliers to another EAP provider, you should consider the following:

→ Does the provider offer both coaching and training services. Some people prefer the self-help route, while others prefer the one-on-one support

→ Ask the EAP provider about their process. Do they just sign-post people to free resources and charities? Or do they actually get people into sessions and help them?

→ Do they have coaches / professionals who can cover a wide range of subjects? Or are they limited to only certain areas of knowledge?

→ How quickly will their employees get an initial session booked? Is it 3 - 5 working days or longer?

→ What feedback does the employee assistance programme provider give the business? Do you hear nothing unless you ask or do you get regular reports on usage?

All of these are important aspects for a business owner, leader or manager to discover before taking on an EAP provider.

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