The Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 extends beyond just the physical health of your employees. As an employer, you have a duty of care to protect your workforce’s mental health.
One way in which employers can support the mental wellbeing of their staff is by offering an employment assistance programme (EAP).
An employment assistance programme (EAP) goes along way not just for your staff, but for your business, too.
Our guide covers everything you need to know.
What is an employment assistance programme?
An employment assistance programme is a work-based benefit that provides employees and sometimes their families with confidential support for personal and work-related problems impacting their
wellbeing and job performance.
These packages might include counselling, financial and legal advice, and mental health support. Staff may access these through a 24/7 helpline on via in-person sessions.
Deriving from America, EAP services became prominent in the United Kingdom following a series of employment law cases.
In one such case, the Court of Appeal considered four related appeals where damages had been awarded for negligence after each claimant stopped working due to stress-related illness.
For support on how to properly manage stress in the workplace, download our free
workplace stress risk assessment template here.
It was judged that any employer “offering confidential help to employees who fear that they may be suffering harmful levels of stress is unlikely to be found in breach of duty”. Therefore, offering an EAP is an invaluable resource that protects employers and employees.
What are the benefits of an EAP?
An EAP programme is advantageous for all parties. Your staff have access to EAP counselling to support their mental health, which boosts
employee morale and reduces staff turnover.
Benefits for your employees
- Improved mental health: EAPs give your staff access to essential support for stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health-related issues.
- Confidential support: Employees can receive support in total confidence. Personal information will not be shared with management.
- Holistic guidance: EAP services transcend mental health support. Your workforce can get practical advice on personal matters, too.
- Better resilience: With coping strategies and resources, EAPs give employees the tools to manage their work-life balance.
- 24/7 accessibility: Be it via helplines, apps, or online portals, most EAP services are available 24-hours a day.
Benefits for employers
- Reduced absenteeism: By supporting the root causes of stress, EAPs help reduce the number of sicks days, and helps the focus of those with personal issues (presenteeism).
- Improved performance: When employees are happier, their motivation improves and boosts productivity.
- Employee retention: Employees that recognise their wellbeing is prioritised will feel valued, and therefore, reduce employee turnover.
- Management support: Managers can seek guidance on how to manage sensitive workplace situations and resolve disputes.
- Long-term investment: For every £1 invested into EAP services, employers receive an average return of between £4 and £8 resulting from reduced costs from absenteeism.
How to choose an employee assistance programme
There are many EAP providers offering their services—all of which may differ from one another. With that said, it’s key to find the right programme that suits your company’s, and employees’, needs.
Let’s explore what you ought to factor in before deciding on which EAP provider to partner with:
Support timeframes
Mental health issues can impact people any time, day or night. Because of that, many providers offer EAP services that’re accessible 24/7 via telephone helpline.
Also, same day emergency EAP counselling sessions could be available with some providers.
Requests for appointments, in particularly demanding environments, could be high. In such cases, a round-the-clock helpline might be worthwhile.
Location
Many organisations operate on a hybrid or remote-working basis. Where EAP services are physically based may not be a concern for some businesses.
Offering online assessments, in addition to telephone support, is important. Despite the shift to hybrid and remote policies, some employees may prefer in-person sessions.
A person’s mental health is a deeply personal and sensitive matter, and preferences on how one wishes to confide in someone may vary—it’s important to provide all avenues for your employees.
Services
Before choosing an EAP provider, it’s important to understand what services the programme offers your employees.
Each employee’s needs will vary. It’s key to partner with an EAP provider that’s able offer a variety of support.
Eligibility
Generally, EAP services are only available to employees. However, you may want a programme that supports employees’ immediate family members.
Homelife issues often impede a person’s ability to carry out their work duties. By offering EAP to relatives, it helps understand problems and bring about a solution that benefits all concerned.
Qualifications
You’ll want assurance that the EAP professionals dealing with your staff have the necessary qualifications and accreditations.
Ensure that you choose an accredited EAP provider that has qualified workers. This means your workforce (and in some cases, their relatives) will be receiving the best support.
Getting the most from your EAP
Upon choosing an EAP provider, you’ll want to fulfil its potential, ensuring your staff reap the rewards of this initiative. To do that, implement the following steps:
Promote your EAP services
Regularly notify your employees of the resources available to them and champion the benefits.
Whilst it’s crucial advocating EAP to existing employees, it’s also worthwhile referencing it in job adverts to attract new talent.
Avoiding stigma
Unfortunately, mental health carries a stigma, which makes it difficult for some people to talk openly about their struggles.
Furthermore, there’s also terminology that has negative connotations that you should actively avoid. For example, replacing “needing help” with “finding a healthy work-life balance” would encourage people to use EAP services.
FAQs: Employment assistance programmes: What you need to know
What is an EAP?
An EAP is a confidential support service funded by employers to support the mental wellbeing of their staff. This could be personal or work-related issues.
Is an EAP a legal requirement in the UK?
EAPs are not a legal obligation, but under the
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers have a duty of care to protect their employees’ Health & Safety—this includes mental wellbeing.
What is the typical cost of an EAP for an employer?
Costs of EAP depend on how comprehensive the package is. However, in the UK, EAP services range from £5 to £15 per employee.
How easy it is to implement an EAP?
More often than not, it isn’t too difficult to incorporate an EAP, especially if the provider will support installing the services and communicating it to your staff.
Does an EAP help with my duty of care?
An EAP helps you manage mental health risks and provide the necessary support for your employees. This demonstrates a willingness to meet your duty of care.
Final say: Employee assistance programmes: What you need to know
An EAP is a confidential service that offers employees, and sometimes their relatives, support concerning personal and work-related issues that could be affecting their ability to carry out their work responsibilities and overall wellbeing.
Depending on the EAP provider, employees will receive different support and services. It has a wealth of benefits for employers and employees. Notably improved mental health for staff, and reduced absenteeism for employers.
Speak to Peninsula about EAP today
Without an effective EAP programme, your workforce could be susceptible to stress and poor mental health. This has consequences for your business-- you could be breaching your duty of care.
A healthy, happy workforce, results in better productivity. Additionally, it shows that you care about your staff and illustrates diligence.
As discussed, there’s lots to consider when choosing an EAP provider. But Peninsula makes it easy by providing an award-winning employee assistance programme.
Your staff will receive a suite of wellbeing tools, in-person therapy sessions, 24-hour support, and a 24-hour helpline where a trained nurse provides medical advice.
Protect your employees’ wellbeing.
Book a free advice call today. 
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Peninsula GroupHR and Health & Safety Experts
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