Employee assistance programs - supporting workforce wellbeing

With added stress and workplace pressure rising, external family dynamics and increased living costs it’s no wonder that 1-in-5 employees took time off over the past year for mental health.

That’s 20 per cent of your workforce.

Issues faced by your employees can keep them from doing their best work and as a result can lead to high staff turnover, absenteeism, presenteeism, lost productivity and a loss in revenue.

The cost to workplaces is substantial – $10.9 billion – according to a recent PwC commissioned by beyondblue, Australian Government and the Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance.

There is good news though, while there are major costs to Australian workplaces, there are also significant rewards for those who do something about it. For every $1 spent on creating a mentally healthy workplace there is on average a $2.30 return.

Creating a mentally healthy workplace involves a variety of steps with one of most crucial being the introduction of employee assistance programs (EAP).

Through employee assistance programs like selectability’s EAP+ you can support your team while supporting your business.

Employee assistance programs (EAP) are designed to support and enhance the emotional, mental and general psychological wellbeing of your employees and their family. The program is designed to boost employee’s performance by helping them to resolve personal and work-related issues.

selectability partners with organisations to deliver a range of EAP services to support employee wellbeing.

Acting General Manager Clinical Services Kate Stevens said selectability’s approach emphasised early intervention and included a range of proactive preventative measures and strategies.

“Through our EAP+ we working alongside employees and support them to build resilience, which in turn can improve workplace performance,” said Kate.

“Mentally heathy workplaces take effort from everyone … ensuring employees are happy and well supported at work is one of the most important jobs for any employer.

“There are situations that arise that can prevent employees from doing their best work. This can lead to a reduction in productivity while also negatively impacting other employees

“As a result, employers have come to recognise the benefits of EAP in keeping their employees healthy and happy.”

Here are four benefits of signing up to selectability’s employee assistance program…

ü  Reduction in staff turnover

Having EAP that is accessible to all can build loyalty. Employees who feel valued are less likely to be unhappy in the workplace and quit.

ü  Reduction in sick days and workplace absenteeism

Did you know that absenteeism is often a result of an employee’s personal problems? EAP encourages employees to deal with problems that otherwise left can escalate.

ü  Improve staff morale

Stress related issues including decreased performance and absenteeism affect the whole workforce not just the individual. Someone experiencing high level of stress may become defensive, argumentative and less communicative at work. EAP can help by providing support as well as an outlet to discuss their issues.

ü  Increase performance and productivity

Those dealing with unresolved issues tend to lose sleep. They may also lose concentration, have accidents, overreact and underperform. Often these attitudes are infectious and will spread throughout teams. Accessing an EAP session can be a simple solution to keep the workplace healthy and happy.

Take care of your employees and they will take care of your business.

For more information email clinical@selectability.com.au or call 1800 573 253