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October 22, 2024
Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) are invaluable tools for HR managers, offering a range of services designed to support employees’ wellbeing and productivity. By providing mental health support, physiotherapy appointments, and resources for line managers, EAPs help keep employees at work and maintain a healthy, motivated workforce. Here’s how TAC Healthcare EAP, iWell can support HR managers.
One of the primary goals of an EAP is to help employees stay at work and perform at their best. iWell can offer confidential mental health support that employees can access for a variety of personal and professional issues.
In 2022, an estimated 185.6 million working days were lost due to sickness or injury, as reported by the Labour Force Survey from the Office for National Statistics. Common reasons for absence included mental health conditions, musculoskeletal problems and minor illnesses.
Whether dealing with stress, family problems, or work-related concerns, having access to professional support can prevent these issues from escalating and leading to absenteeism or presenteeism. By addressing problems early, we can help employees remain productive and engaged in their roles.
Mental health is a critical component of overall wellbeing, and EAPs play a crucial role in providing support in this area when mental health services are struggling. iWell can offer a range of mental health services, including:
These services are available through various channels, such as face-to-face sessions, online or telephone counselling, and online resources, making them accessible to all employees and their individual needs.
For HR managers, having an EAP means they can refer employees to swift and professional mental health support, ensuring that staff can quickly receive the help they need without the stigma often associated with seeking mental health care. This proactive approach can lead to a healthier, more resilient workforce, reducing the incidence of mental health-related absences and improving overall job satisfaction.
Physical health in the workplace is also key to maintaining a healthy and motivated workforce. iWell services include access to physiotherapy for employees to address physical ailments that can affect an employee’s ability to work. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), musculoskeletal disorders accounted for 6.6 million working days lost due to work-related ill health in 2022/23. This highlights the significant impact that these conditions can have on employee attendance and productivity.
Whether it’s a repetitive strain injury from desk work or a more serious condition, access to physiotherapy can help employees recover more quickly and return to their duties. iWell can support quickly resolving these problems and take a proactive approach towards preventing absence due to such conditions.
For HR managers, this means fewer long-term absences and a quicker return to full productivity for affected employees. Additionally, providing access to physiotherapy demonstrates a commitment to employee wellbeing, which can enhance morale within the workforce.
Access to our private GP services ensures employees receive prompt and personalised medical attention when needed. Whether it's for a routine check-up, health concerns, or specialist referrals, our experienced general practitioners are available to provide professional and confidential care.
Private GP services offer significant benefits to HR managers by supporting employee health and wellbeing, which in turn enhances workplace productivity and reduces absenteeism. With faster access to medical consultations, employees can address health concerns promptly, leading to quicker recovery times and fewer long-term absences. This service also helps HR managers streamline the management of health-related issues, offering confidential and comprehensive support that can reduce stress for both employees and the organisation.
iWell can also offer valuable and confidential legal advice for your employees. This can provide practical guidance with issues around family law, housing, wills and estates, personal injury and financial matters. Having this rapid support available can bring peace of mind and empower colleagues to quickly resolve issues.
TAC Healthcare also offers a separate service to offer immediate support for employees presenting with a fit note citing poor mental health, the Day One Absence Counselling and Support Service. This involves rapid access to a structured counselling intervention to help employees manage stress and anxiety, facilitating a successful return to work. Through a structured process, individuals explore the root causes of their stress, develop coping strategies like relaxation exercises and mindfulness, challenge negative thoughts using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), implement behavioural changes to build resilience and create long-term prevention strategies. By addressing underlying issues and providing practical tools, iWell’s service empowers employees to enhance their wellbeing and return to work successfully.
For employees who may have experienced a traumatic event, iWell can offer a trauma therapy service. This includes access to longer-term, specialist therapies such as Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).
In addition, iWell offers a Critical Incidence Response service for employers. A critical incident in the workplace is an unexpected and traumatic event, which can cause significant emotional distress to employees. Examples include workplace accidents, sudden deaths, natural disasters, or violent incidents.
Such events can disrupt the normal functioning of the workplace and have a profound impact on the mental health and wellbeing of employees. iWell can play a crucial role in mitigating the traumatic impact with a specialist Critical Incidence Response service. This can provide support for managers and employees through a swift, evidence-based intervention between 24-74 hours, delivered either in-person or remotely. Follow-up support and individualised resources can also be arranged for individuals who may be particularly struggling.
Line managers play a pivotal role in the day-to-day management of employees, and their ability to handle issues effectively can significantly impact the overall health of the workforce. EAPs provide advice and resources for line managers to help them recognise and address issues such as stress, burnout, and conflict within their teams. iWell can also work with managers to make referrals for employees they may have concerns for.
By equipping line managers with the skills and knowledge to support their teams with a Manager’s Support Guide, we help create a more supportive and understanding work environment. This can lead to improved employee relations, higher morale, and a more cohesive team dynamic. This guide includes information on:
An Employee Assistance Programme is a vital resource for HR managers, offering comprehensive support that helps keep employees in work, provides essential wellbeing services, provides legal and critical incidence support, and equips line managers with the tools they need to support their teams. For HR managers, this support is invaluable as it helps to ensure that issues are managed at the team level before they escalate, reducing the need for more intensive HR interventions.
By addressing both mental and physical health needs and fostering a supportive work environment, iWell can contribute to a healthier, more productive workforce. Support from iWell is not just a benefit for employees; it’s a strategic move that supports the overall success of the organisation.
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