Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) aim to address issues before they adversely affect an employee’s work performance. Here are 6 ways EAP services can benefit not just your people but also your business.
- Productivity
Companies are increasingly required to do more with fewer resources. An employee suffering from personal issues is often less productive and inattentive, which can lead to dangerous mistakes. Assisting the employee to manage their personal issues through professional support helps the employee to deal with the personal issues head-on, and minimises the effects on their work performance.
- Financial cost
When an employee is suffering from personal issues, they may be prone to absenteeism or presenteeism. Both of which are significant costs to the business. Presenteeism, in particular, can have many costs – not just through lower productivity. For instance, if the employee is not focused on their work in an environment where health and safety risks are high, there is an increased chance of accidents. Workers’ compensation claims can be costly for everyone involved.
Furthermore, if the employee is feeling extremely stressed or overwhelmed, they may even resign. The cost of replacement should never be underestimated.
EAP services aim for early intervention. Helping the employee early can also help to reduce the risk of these costs to the business.
- Conflict
Dealing with personal issues may result in increased conflict or tension in the workplace. Team members may be resentful if they feel that a colleague is not pulling their weight. This is when managers need to intervene and encourage the employee to seek professional help to assist with their personal issues.
- Professional services
EAPs connect employees to professional services. For example, providing a financial planner for employees with financial issues or providing guidance to parents on dealing with a troubled teenager.
- Work performance
Work performance is greatly affected by stress and personal problems. Issues of work performance escalate as the employee is not focused on their work, causing lack of quality and missed deadlines. An EAP manages these problems and ensures employee issues are quickly resolved. This means fewer mistakes at work, higher quality output and an overall increase in workplace performance.
- HR issues
In some ways, EAPs provide HR functions. EAPs can help managers resolve problems that their employees are experiencing. For example, a manager may seek advice about how to deal with an employee who is consistently late or where there is conflict between team members.
Today, there is often a blurring of lines between work and home. Troubled employees don’t leave their personal problems at home. They can’t help but bring them to work. If these problems are not dealt with promptly, they can have an effect on morale and culture, and they cost the business due to lack of productivity, sick leave or turnover. Therefore, EAPs are imperative no matter how large or small the business to keep your employees healthy and your business running smoothly.
You can download a copy of our latest EAP brochure here to see how Partnership for Growth can help your business and your employees.