Youth Friendly Employers can support the mental health of young staff with an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). Explore this guide to EAPs.
One of the biggest concerns we have been hearing from employers of young people recently is connected to mental health in the workplace. Thanks to an array of factors, from the recent Covid-19 pandemic through to the current cost-of-living crisis, more young people are having mental health struggles than ever before.
Employers know that supporting their young employees with their mental health is vital, but may not have any idea of the best ways to go about it. Today we are going to take a close look at one great way you can support your junior employees: an Employee Assistance Programme, or EAP.
What is an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP?)
An Employee Assistance Programme, or EAP, is a workplace benefit designed to support the mental health and wellbeing of employees. It provides employees with advice, support, and practical assistance with any issues that might be impacting their wellbeing, work performance, or both. It allows those employees to discuss their concerns, get support and guidance, and address any challenges they may be facing in a productive manner.
What Services Does an Employee Assistance Programme Typically Provide?
EAPs provide confidential counselling services and resources to help employees deal with personal or work-related issues that may be affecting their performance, productivity, and overall well-being.
EAPs typically offer a mixture of telephone, online, and face-to-face counselling with trained professionals, depending upon the issue and the employee’s individual needs. They might also offer referrals to specialists or other external resources, and sometimes financial or legal assistance where appropriate.
Why is it Important for Employers to Provide Support Services to Young Employees in the Workplace?
Since the beginning of the pandemic three years ago, many experts have stated that we are seeing an epidemic of mental health struggles. For numerous reasons, more and more young people are struggling with their mental health. This can have a significant impact on their work performance and career progression as well as overall wellbeing. Young people also face unique work challenges as they adjust to being in the professional world for the first time.
It is in everyone’s interests to foster a culture of mental health support and provide assistance to those who are struggling. Happier and healthier employees take less time off, are more productive, and contribute more positively to the overall workplace culture. In addition, those who feel taken care of are more likely to want to stay with your organisation for the long haul.
UK EAP FAQs
In this section, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about EAPs in the UK.
Is EAP Mandatory in the UK?
All employers have a legally mandated “duty of care” to their employees, requiring them to take reasonable steps to ensure those employees’ safety and welfare. However, it is not a legal requirement to offer an EAP. It is a benefit that is voluntarily offered by employers.
Is the Counselling Provided Through an EAP Free to Employees?
An EAP is free and confidential to employees at the point of use. This means that they will never need to pay for any of the support they receive through the EAP, including counselling and any other services they may be referred to. That cost is covered in its entirety by the employer.
Can an EAP Help with Bereavement and Trauma Support?
Yes. An EAP can offer support with any issue that is affecting an employee’s wellbeing, including grief or bereavement and trauma.
However, it is important to note that an EAP is a short-term support solution. For example, the counselling or therapy offered through an EAP is usually restricted to a maximum of six sessions. This means that, if an employee has complex mental health needs (such as trauma or a diagnosed mental illness), they may need additional support that is outside of the scope of an EAP to provide. If this is the case, the EAP will be able to signpost them to appropriate services for their needs.
How Can EAPs Provide Wellbeing Support?
It is always best for individuals to take care of their health and wellbeing long before reaching a crisis point. No matter what an employee is struggling with, your EAP is likely to be able to help them.
As well as offering crisis support and therapy or counselling where necessary, EAPs can also offer general wellbeing advice, assistance with work-life balance, and education or training on various wellbeing-related topics that will help your employees to maintain good mental health.
How Can an EAP Support with Handling Finance and Debt?
Many young people are struggling financially. The cost-of-living crisis has hit those on low incomes particularly hard (which often includes the most junior workers), many young people have graduated from university with tens of thousands of pounds in debt, and they may have other debts or simply be struggling to stay afloat.
An EAP may be able to provide employees with services such as access to qualified debt management professionals or financial advisors, budgeting advice, and help with applying for any financial assistance they may qualify for. They can also provide support with the emotional toll that comes from financial struggles.
Can Employees Get Support with Childcare and Elder Care via EAP?
Many young employees have caregiving responsibilities outside of the workplace. For example, they may have young children or be the main carer for elderly parents or other relatives. This can cause a significant amount of stress as well as creating challenges around juggling a busy work schedule with their caring responsibilities.
An EAP can provide support with these issues in a number of ways. For example, they might offer lists of emergency childcare providers in your area, support with finding childcare spaces, or referrals to support services that can help with caregiving issues. They can also provide emotional and psychological support with the stress of being a caregiver.
Can EAPs Provide Consumer Rights and Legal Advice?
Yes, in many cases an EAP can provide support to employees with queries around consumer rights and their legal rights or obligations. This can be anything from answering basic legal questions through to putting employees in contact with a legal professional who can advise them on a more complicated matter.
Should My Workplace Have an EAP?
We believe that wherever possible, all workplaces should offer an EAP. Its cost will vary depending upon the number of employees you have and the complexity of the programme you choose, but it will repay you many times over in the form of healthier, happier employees and a more positive and productive working culture.
