Absence levels reduced by EAP programmes
Employment Law update 06/06/2011
A recent survey has revealed that more than half of all workers
who made use of the counselling services offered through EAP were
better able to cope with the demands of work.
The research, carried out by FirstAssist, part of the Capita
Group, who offers the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP),
questioned 4,213 staff members.
It found that fifty-two per cent of staff members who
utilised a facet of EAP claimed that, had they not have had the
option, they would have missed work as a result.
Staff concerns about the stress of work can lead to higher
absence levels, and firms are being advised to seriously
considering offering workers the counselling service to allow them
to discuss their worries.
Whilst 64 per cent of workers felt that their ability to cope
with work was ‘good’ or ‘very good’ after counselling, just
17 per cent reported feeling that way prior to
counselling.
The counseling sessions were also found to improve staff
relationships with their colleagues, with just two per cent saying
they were ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’ after counseling. This is compared
to 23% who felt that way before the EAP sessions.
Managing Director of FirstAssist, Andrea Waller, said, “Anxiety
and depression can have a serious effect on all areas of a person’s
life, including their work.
“By cultivating an open and supportive working environment,
including access to confidential counselling services as part of a
comprehensive health and wellbeing approach, employers can work
with employees to help them overcome their issues, which in turn
will result in a more productive and loyal workforce,” she
added.