20 November 2020
In these unprecedented times of crisis, people need support more than ever before. Many of us are grappling with uncertainty about the future, potential redundancies, precarious financial situations, homeworking and juggling family responsibilities, or even divorce or the loss of a loved one. These worries can all have a devastating impact on our mental wellbeing, general happiness and performance at work.
Employers are exploring ways in which they can support their employees’ mental health and wellbeing to help them through the pandemic, making them happier and more productive both at work and home.
One of the ways they are doing this is by introducing Employee Assistance Programmes.
What is an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)?
An EAP is an employer funded benefit which provides employees with online and telephone support and information on a range of work and personal issues including:
- family and employment law
- financial management
- debt
- telephone or face-to-face counselling
Why should an employer invest in an EAP?
EAPs are a low cost yet effective way for employers to support their employees.
Happy employees are productive employees. EAPs are recognised as a way of reducing sickness absence and staff turnover, and so there are benefits to both employee and employer.
How to set up an EAP in your business?
Firstly, it’s important to understand the benefits that you currently have in place. We speak to many businesses who already have access to EAPs which they are unaware of.
To learn more about EAPs and how they could benefit your business, please get in touch with our Employee Benefits team.