How can an EAP with Atlas Counselling help your business?
Investing in and implementing an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is not just for the “big” end of business, it can make sound fiscal sense for small to medium businesses, too! With Atlas Counselling, it is easy and quick to set up!
Dealing directly with Atlas Counselling means that your business is not paying the ‘cut’ that is charged by the EAP agencies that act as the ‘middle-man’ between businesses like yours and therapists like me! It also means that you dictate what services are offered to your employees (i.e. how many session, how long those sessions can be, who is eligible to use the program, and when or how often the offer is reset, if at all). Your business is not a one-size-fits-all, and neither is this EAP solution.
What are the benefits offered to your business by providing an EAP for your staff?
Here are some of the most obvious benefits:
Enhanced Employee Well-being: A reliable, professional and accessible EAP demonstrates to your employees that their well-being is a priority. By offering counselling support opportunities to your staff (and optionally, to their families), you foster a culture of care and support. When employees feel valued and supported, they are more likely to be engaged, productive, and loyal.
Increased Productivity: Providing a safe and confidential avenue for addressing concerns such as stress and stress management, anxiety, grief, trauma, conflict or anger management, or alcohol and substance use/abuse, to name just a few things, can significantly improve employee focus and productivity, and reduce staff turnover. With access to counselling and support services through an EAP, employees can better manage challenges, reduce distractions, and absenteeism.
Cost Savings: While providing an EAP service requires an investment, with Atlas Counselling the cost is incurred only when an employee engages with the program. There are no set up fees or retaining fees and the parameters of the agreement are set directly with you with regards to the number of sessions per employee and/or family member and in what period. Furthermore, the long-term financial benefits are likely to outweigh the costs of provision. By addressing employee mental health concerns early on, more chronic presentation down the line may be prevented; employees are likely to be more present at work thus increasing productivity, decreasing absenteeism, and retaining trained and knowledgeable staff rather than risk losing them and needing to re-hire and retrain new staff, and avoiding the hit to the bottom line that inevitably comes with it!
Improved Workplace Culture: A positive workplace culture is essential to attract and retain top talent. An EAP sends a clear message that you prioritize the well-being of your employees, which can help you attract talent and differentiate your business from your competitors. Moreover, employees who feel supported are more likely to speak positively about their workplace, enhancing your brand.
Risk Mitigation: Providing access to counselling and support services can help mitigate risks associated with workplace stress, conflict, and mental health issues. By addressing these issues proactively, you reduce the likelihood of legal disputes, workplace accidents, and other negative outcomes that could harm your business.
Support for Management: Managing employees’ personal issues can be challenging for supervisors, particularly in smaller organizations where resources may be limited. An EAP provides managers with a resource they can refer employees to for support, reducing their burden and ensuring that employees receive the assistance they need.
Overall, implementing an Employee Assistance Program demonstrates your commitment to the well-being of your employees, enhances productivity and workplace culture, and mitigates risks for your business. In today’s quagmire of WHS requirements and increasing expectations on businesses and business owners/management, prioritizing employee well-being isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a strategic imperative for long-term compliance and can be integral for ongoing, positive employer/employee relations.
If you would like to receive an EAP pack, email eap@atlascounselling.com.au or call directly 0421 364 395 to discuss your needs.
Emergency Contact List
Kids Help Line: 1800 55 1800
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Domestic Violence Crisis Line: 1800 65 64 63
Australian Emergency Services: 000
(Police, Fire, Ambulance)
For other options, please visit https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-helplines