An Employee Assistance Programme, or EAP, is a vital tool in fostering a supportive workplace culture, offering a range of services designed to address personal and professional challenges. This is all too important with the wellbeing of employees becoming a much higher priority for forward-thinking companies than ever before.
In this blog post, we explore the business benefits of offering an Employee Assistance Programme in your organisation, and why they are as valuable to employers as they are to employees.
Firstly, we’ll look at what exactly an Employee Assistance Programme is. Multiple EAP providers offer slightly differing schemes, but the concept is the same:
Employees dealing with personal problems or stress are more likely to take time off. In fact, around 51% of long-term sick leave is due to stress, depression, or anxiety according to Mental Health First Aiders England.
However, EAPs provide effective support that can help these employees address the root causes of absenteeism such as personal problems or stress issues, keeping employees healthy and present at work, resulting in fewer working days missed.
For those going through similar issues but do turn up for work, what they deliver is likely of lesser quality, quantity, or both, due to stress-related distractions.
Offering resources for dealing with these challenges can minimise distractions for employees at work – driving focus and productivity. When employees are mentally and emotionally well, they are more focused, clear-headed, and able to perform their tasks more efficiently.
In addition, EAPs offer resources to help employees balance their work and personal lives, such as childcare support and flexible work arrangements. A better work-life balance reduces burnout and stress, enabling employees to be more productive at work.
Employee Assistance Programmes can also improve employee retention by enhancing job satisfaction and loyalty. When employees feel supported in managing stress, mental health issues, and physical health, and feel that their employer cares about and actively supports their wellbeing, they are much more likely to stay with that company.
What’s more, many EAPs include training and development opportunities, such as stress management workshops, time management training, and career counselling. These opportunities help employees grow and advance in their careers, reducing the desire to leave for career progression elsewhere.
As a result of improved employee retention, organisations will see reduced turnover rates and the associated costs of hiring and training new staff.
Like retention of existing employees, a comprehensive benefits package that includes an EAP can make organisations more attractive to potential hires and future candidates. It demonstrates the company’s commitment to employee wellbeing, helping to attract top talent as this factor becomes increasingly more important to job seekers.
This idea is supported by a Glassdoor survey, which revealed that 80% of employees consider benefits and perks, including wellness programmes, when deciding on a job offer.
The mix of benefits that introducing an Employee Assistance Programme brings to organisations, contributes to an overall positive company culture. That in itself improves teamwork, communication, and overall workplace harmony.
In addition, many businesses where leadership implements wellbeing benefits and fosters a positive work environment will likely see an increase in revenue. In fact, companies that prioritise culture experience a significant 33% revenue increase.
Finally, companies prioritising employee wellbeing through EAPs are more likely to build a strong, favourable brand and reputation. This can enhance relationships with clients, partners, and the wider community, providing a competitive edge in the market and amplifying the organisation’s success.
If you’re interested in providing your employees with an EAP to support their health and wellbeing and reap the business benefits as an organisation, contact us today to find out more. Alternatively, you can watch our free on-demand webinar on Employee Assistance Programmes, including a demo of Health Assured – the UK’s leading EAP provider.
