What is an EAP?

Life is full of challenges. Some challenges drive and motivate you further, and other challenges are a hard load to carry. Mental health was the 5th most common reason for workplace absences in 2022. Studies show that just one conversation a day with friends or loved ones can help with your mental health, but sometimes it is necessary to speak to a professional for assistance, especially when these challenges are having an impact on employees’ daily lives. Offering an EAP is a crucial service to offer your employees so they can receive the help they need exactly when it’s most needed. 

An EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) is a resource offered to employees by their employer which provides 24 hour access to support and help. The support offered ranges from Mental health, financial and legal assistance, to addictions, depression and grief. 

Providing an EAP service is not only a great tool to help your employees be more productive, but also an EAP can provide the strategies needed for employees to implement long lasting mental health practices in their daily lives. EAPs can offer the skills needed to practise self care and education on why employees are feeling a certain way. Learning to adapt and build a method to overcome issues when they arise again not only improves employees general mental health, but also will keep staff turnover and absences low.

When considering your EAP offering, consider including a plan which will also cover physical health, as this plays a part in overall mental health, too. Physical exercise and eating well can increase and encourage concentration, positivity and relaxation. My Staff Shop supplies wellbeing bundles, which provides a digital gym; nutritional advice and self-guided meditation to promote mindfulness. Combining this offering with your EAP covers an extensive range of problems employees may face, ensuring that the help your company offers is as unique as the situation colleagues are experiencing. 

Encouraging your employees to use these programmes offer a clear indication to employees or prospective candidates that the business cares about their workforce, and creates a positive reputation for your business as mental health champions, as 66% of companies recently surveyed offering EAP or wellness offerings reported a surge in employee productivity. 

Employers are realising there needs to be a real push for the awareness of how mental health issues can affect everyone. In the last 2 years, an estimated 875,000 workers were suffering from work-related stress, depression or anxiety. Offering an  EAP is a key feature in ensuring your company is prepared for life’s problems, and minimising the damage these challenges can cause to your employees and your Business. 

Contact our team today to learn more about EAP and wellbeing & request a demo.