EAP Counselling and The Powerful Benefits Of It Long Term

Work-life stressors can negatively affect an employee’s productivity. When personal problems add to the burden of work-related issues, it won’t always be easy to leave them at the door, thereby blurring the lines of personal life and work. Frequent tardiness, numerous absences, and poor work performance are some of the alarming signs of work-life imbalance. Instead of resorting to termination, employers can have a better approach to address this significant problem by implementing an Employee Assistance Program.

What is EAP?

An Employee Assistance Program or EAP is a kind of employee retention program that an employer can provide to their employees and their families for free. The goal of EAP is to help struggling employees cope with work and personal life challenges and become productive employees once again. It’s primarily offered in the form of EAP counselling, which focuses on addressing workers’ mental well-being by employing external counselling services and resources. And since this involves sensitive aspects of an employee’s life, confidentiality is of utmost importance. Employers will pay for the service but are in no way allowed to access any of the psychological portfolios of each employee. Some of the crucial issues that EAP counselling helps to address are:

• Family conflicts
• Marital problems
• Work or office conflicts
• Stress and anger issues
• Personal financial issues
• Anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems
• Drugs or other substance addiction

An important note to remember is that EAP can only be done on a relatively short period and provided that an employee remains connected to the company. It’s then imperative that each counselling session and the overall intervention program are successfully carried out.

The Long Term Benefits of EAP

Although EAP counselling is only done in a relatively short period, its beneficial effects can leave a positive and lasting impact on a person’s life and well-being. Here are some of the valuable takeaways that EAP counselling has to offer for employees and employers:

Benefits for Employees:

• Improved Work Performance

A happy and healthy employee can work optimally. With higher motivation, there would be minimal tardy days and absences. You can function well so you don’t easily get stressed and you’ll have the energy to take on any work challenges with better results.

• Better Coping Skills

In life, there will always be challenges and problems along the way. Not everyone is equipped to face certain problems and could use some help. Counselors utilize various techniques and approaches that can help a person develop better coping and problem-solving skills. Both are guaranteed essentials in dealing with work and life problems.

• Self-awareness

Knowing one’s strengths and weaknesses and acknowledging the need to change for the better are ingredients for self-improvement. Self-awareness can be difficult to achieve when your mind is preoccupied with work. Every counselling session can serve as an opportunity to take a step closer within oneself. When you’re aware of your good and bad points, you’ll effectively know which ones to retain and which ones to adjust or stop.

• Better Social Skills

Most often, relationship conflicts at home and work are brought about by misunderstanding and lack of communication. Conflict resolution and communication skills training are among the approaches used by counsellors. This can help you become more socially competent.

• Work-Life Balance

When you can handle your priorities and your struggles well, it’s easier for you to separate work matters from your personal life and vice versa. You’ll spend less time focusing on stress-inducing matters and more quality moments with friends and family.

• Direct Contact to a Professional Counselor

An EAP can give you the chance to meet reliable counsellors and psychotherapists you can confide with. You can opt for personal sessions whenever you want and need with your counsellor of choice.

Benefits for Employers:

• Positive Work Environment

A work environment that encourages a culture of growth and respect nurtures more positive relationships among talented employees. This leads to more results as there will be fewer conflicts and obstacles to business processes along the way.

• Increased Employee Retention

Employees who feel that they’re valued and cared for by their employer will be comfortable to stay longer in that company. They’d feel a sense of ownership and connectedness to the goals of the entire organization and will offer their help to achieve it. This sense of collectiveness helps lower turnover rates.

• Return of Investment

Implementing an Employee Assistance Program can have a budget factor, but a company can save on costs for hiring and re-training as productive and talented workers are retained. Also, a company with a good retention program garners a positive reputation and can attract more quality talents and potential investors or partners.

EAP is a win-win approach that not only benefits employers but employees as well. Perhaps, the best benefit EAP counselling can offer is the ultimate freedom from the mental prisons a person creates. Employers can only identify the symptoms but it is up to you as an employee, and as a person striving to live, to accept help and grab this opportunity.

Does your workplace offer EAP Counseling?

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