Research carried out for the PAM Wellbeing Health at Work report found that 86% of employees believe their employer has responsibility for their health and wellbeing, with two-thirds (62%) saying wellbeing support provided makes them less likely to want to move elsewhere.
To create a healthy work environment where employee wellbeing is prioritised within the company culture, an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) can be a valuable asset to any organisation looking to achieve this goal.
To help demonstrate the value of an Employee Assistance Programme, let’s break it down and explore what it’s all about.
What is an Employee Assistance Programme or EAP?
An Employee Assistance Programme commonly referred to as an EAP is a workplace benefit that provides employees with access to counselling, wellbeing resources and a confidential helpline supporting a variety of personal and professional issues. An EAP offers support to employees who may be facing challenges such as poor mental health, relationship problems, bereavement or financial stress that is affecting their performance at work or personal lives.
Why invest in an EAP?
With 1 in 2 employees being affected by NHS delays, employers need to take a more proactive approach to their employee’s health and wellbeing. Having measures in place, like an EAP can prevent their staff from becoming ill and help them to maintain a healthy and balanced mind.
Implementing an EAP creates a culture of wellbeing, emphasising the employer’s value for their employees’ health. It also encourages a positive work environment that tackles the stigma and challenges surrounding mental health.
Return on investment from using an EAP service has increased across all sectors within the UK and can make a real difference to any organisation and their most important asset, their people.
Organisations are reporting increased cost savings due to decreased staff absences and improved productivity. Figures from October 2021 to October 2022 reveals that UK employers have achieved an average return on investment (ROI) of £10.85 for every £1.00 spent on an (EAP) in the UK. This compares with a previous average of £8.00 in the previous year, and £7.27 in 2019 [source: EAPA ROI Report, 2023].
What are the benefits?
There are many benefits of having an EAP in place which include:
- Providing employees with confidential and professional support for personal and work-related issues
- Helping employees to manage stress and mental health concerns
- Improving employee productivity and job satisfaction
- Reducing absenteeism and staff turnover providing cost savings for employers through reduced healthcare costs and increased productivity
Our approach to an EAP
PAM Wellbeing is one of the UK’s most popular EAPs. As a pioneering Employee Assistance Programme provider, we support employees with their mental health and practical life matters to reduce absence, minimise work-related stress and boost resilience in the workforce.
Features of our EAP include:
- 24/7 helpline – answered by qualified counsellors who provide immediate, in the moment, emotional support.
- Life, Legal & Debt Management Advice – provided by subject matter experts to help employees with one of the most taboo issues.
- Structured Counselling & CBT Therapy – via telephone, virtually or face-to-face.
- Online Computer-Based CBT – access to a nationally recognised online cognitive behavioural therapy programme enabling users to complete therapy in their own time, at their own pace.
- Wellbeing App & Portal – featuring expert resources, goal setting and behaviour tracking.
- Live Chat – to allow employees to talk to counsellors online via the app.
- Computerised Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (cCBT) – provided through an evidence-based digital solution.
- Management Consultancy and Support – to provide managers with advice on how best to support individuals in emotional distress.
- Critical Incident Support – to guide leaders in supporting employees after a traumatic event.
