The importance of a positive company culture shouldn’t be overlooked. It ensures a happy, productive workforce, which reduces staff turnover.
As well as being advantageous for employees, it improves your company’s reputation, leading to attracting top talent.
If you’re considering using an EAP, our guide explores the five ways it can work toward achieving a positive company culture.
What is an EAP?
An EAP (employee assistance programme) is a benefit that employers offer their staff to provide confidential support for personal or work-related issues. Typically, these problems will be detrimental to mental health and impede the ability to perform work duties.
EAP services vary, but may include counselling, helplines, as well as advice for other life matters, like finances, addiction, and relationships. Sometimes an EAP scheme may be available for employees’ relatives.
Because mental health challenges can occur at moment in the day, employers may opt to partner with a provider that has a 24/7 employee assistance programme.
Accessibility is one of many EAP benefits to employees, with another being promoting a positive company culture.
Let’s explore five ways an EAP can create a culture that maintains or improves your company’s reputation.
1. Supports mental health
Through confidential EAP counselling, employees have a safe space to discuss many matters free from judgement. Support by qualified professionals is accessible 24/7 via an EAP helpline, video, or in-person sessions.
The goal of EAP services is to improve employees’ overall wellbeing. When company’s commit to this objective, it demonstrates care, tackles the stigma surrounding mental health, and fosters an environment that encourages seeking support. Download our free employee wellbeing policy template to strengthen the support for your staff.
2. Promotes work-life balance
Many individuals value a healthy work-life balance. EAPs provide guidance on how to manage work and personal responsibilities. This could take form in time management tips, advice on family issues, or boundaries to prevent burnout.
Company cultures that actively encourage a positive work-life balance shows genuine investment into their employees’ quality of life, increasing job satisfaction and reducing staff turnover.
3. Helps resolve conflicts
Workplace conflicts don’t just impact the two parties; they often cause an uncomfortable atmosphere that’s noticeable throughout the working environment. It clouds collaboration, impacting results.
With mediation services, communication techniques and encouraging empathy, disputes are resolved and become less common. A workspace with less tension leads to better teamwork.
4. Better employee engagement
Employees who recognise that their employers value their wellbeing are likely to feel motivated and engaged, which leads to improved productivity. Access to an EAP scheme is a clear signal of support.
Not only do existing employees resonate with EAP benefits, but those seeking a new career will be attracted to the prospect of an employer who is a mental health advocate and promotes a good work-life balance.
5. Provides holistic support
Whilst the prime purpose of an EAP is to support employees’ mental health, some EAP providers offer packages that include guidance encompassing financial stress, legal advice, and much more.
Incorporating a holistic approach gives staff an EAP counsellor that acts as a central resource for any pressing matters, be it work-related or personal. This contributes to a sense of security that positively impacts the working environment for employees.
FAQs: Five ways an employee assistance programme promotes a positive company culture
Is an EAP a legal requirement for my business?
Whilst an EAP isn’t a legal obligation, it goes a long way to meeting your duty of care to look after your employees’ Health & Safety.
How do I choose the right EAP provider?
You must consider the needs of your workforce. Such as what services they’ll require, accessibility, location (are in-person sessions available?), cost, and whether or not they have the proper qualifications.
How is employee confidentiality protected?
Confidentiality is integral to EAP services. An EAP counsellor will not divulge information with an employer. This includes who’s accessed the services, what was discussed, or any other personal details—unless the employee gives consent or there’s a safety concern.
What kind of reporting will I receive as an employer?
EAP providers may offer anonymous reports covering usage levels and general nature of issues. This data helps employers help identify workplace trends and implement better support. Identifying information about employees is never included.
Can I require an employee to use the EAP?
This is a rarity and not encouraged. Instead, internal promotion of EAP services is the best course of action.
Final say: Five ways an employee assistance programme promotes a positive company culture
Retaining staff can be challenging for employers, as can attracting new talent. A positive company culture helps with both.
One way to improve company culture is to offer employees an EAP. It has a wealth of benefits, including prioritising mental health, encouraging a healthy work-life balance, dispute resolution, improved morale, and an approach that deals with multiple matters.
Benefit from Peninsula’s employee assistance programme
As discussed, an EAP contributes to a positive company culture, which in turn boosts business reputation.
When partnering with Peninsula, your employees get access to a 24/7 employee assistance programme.
There’s a reason it’s won awards. Your staff receive a comprehensive suite of wellbeing tools, in-person sessions, and 24-hour access to a trained nurse for medical advice.
Discover how Peninsula’s employee assistance programme can support your staff and business. Click here to book a free advice call.
