BENEFITS OF EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMMES

“Employees who believe that management is concerned about them as a whole person — not just employees — are more productive, more satisfied, more fulfilled. Satisfied employees mean satisfied customers, which leads to profitability.” - Anne M. Mulcahy, CEO, Xerox The corporate world is evolving and changing at an incredible pace. It is modernizing so that employees find it easy to cope with the pressure that has drained them in the long run. Employee Assistance Programs help employees deal with their problems that impact their job. It is a counseling and consulting program where employees put forward the problems they are facing. An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a voluntary, work-based program that offers free and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services to employees who have personal and/or work-related problems. EAPs address a broad and complex body of issues affecting mental and emotional well-being, such as alcohol and other substance abuse, stress, grief, family problems, and psychological disorders. Supporting your employees is always a crucial part of building an influential company culture. Not only does it help employee’s psychology, but it also helps them improve their engagement levels in the long run. Employee Assistance Programmes can be of various forms like- 1. Financial help - services that can connect employees with help to improve financial wellness: - budgeting advice, achieving healthy spending habits, loan consolidation, debt repayment, setting up an emergency fund, and more. 2. Improving work relationships - Navigating a career change, establishing a plan for professional development, managing workplace stress and responsibilities or managing relationships with coworkers helps in overcoming burnout. 3. Mental health issues - Anxiety, depression, grief, crisis intervention, and behavioral health issues such as addiction or eating disorders are some examples that an EAP can help with. 4. Help with substance abuse, child and elder care- Addiction, alcoholism, gambling, and crisis intervention are a few examples where support from a qualified professional through the EAP can make a positive and potentially life-saving impact in an employee's life. 5. Health and caregiving- In addition to managing their own health (e.g. establishing a fitness plan, getting nutrition guidance, or coping with a chronic disease such as diabetes, heart disease, or hypertension), employees may be faced with the additional challenge of being the caregiver for a loved one. With this counseling, your employees and their families can receive a plethora of mental health resources, exercises, and support which in return could lead to multiple benefits for companies in the long run like: 1. Reduced Absenteeism 2. Increased Productivity 3. Positive Work Environment 4. More Turnover 5. Increase Employee Morale Such programs take time to become successful within the organization but it is also an asset that helps employees deal with their everyday problems. It provides companies with an opportunity to boost their morale and productivity. When a diverse group of people work together in a professional space, they should learn to foster each other’s mental capacities and develop empathy for each other so that positive wellbeing is established. Caring in the workplace for employees improves employee experience, brand reputation, retention of talent, organizational progress and employee productivity. It is simple, employees are people; they are individuals powered by emotions. When we feel cared for, we give back, we are more invested and we also care more! To know more about Corporate Wellness Programs offered by Wellness Associates, click on the link below: https://www.wellnessassociates.in