EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMMES (EAP)
The Covid-19 pandemic has brought about many changes in the workplace, and while most businesses are trying to maintain a sense of continuity, we have all had to turn our mind to contingency planning in the past few months.
Have you found yourself caught up in protecting your physical health, and the physical health of those around you? Though your stocks of hand sanitizer may be high, it is also important to remember yours and others’ mental health, particularly following the repercussions of ‘lockdown’.
Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) are confidential, Employer-funded programmes available to assist employees in dealing with problems that may be affecting their health and wellbeing and, in turn, their job performance.
Problems may include dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, change, conflict at home or in the workplace and addiction.
Information for Employers
Did you know that poor mental wellbeing is now the number one reason people take time off work? (Source: Health Promotion Agency Te Hiringa Hauora Aotearoa)
Employers have a duty of care to their employees to create a healthy and safe workplace. The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 governs the steps businesses must take to reasonably protect the physical health of employees. This extends to psychological health too.
Independent EAP organisations are available throughout New Zealand with a wide range of packages to suit every business. Services include therapy and counselling, leadership coaching, supervision, incident support, drug and alcohol intervention and human resource services. The benefits of investing in the mental wellbeing of the workplace are significant.
If you are interested in finding out more about an EAP for your business, you can visit one of the following websites:-
Noho ora mai – Stay well,
Natasha Careswell