Life happens. Sometimes it happens so emphatically that it demands your attention. It's human. It's understandable. And it can also thoroughly distract even the most focused person from their work. It might be health or relationship issues at home, or conflict and communication issues at work. What ever the issue, if it's causing stress or unhappiness, workplace counselling (sometimes called EAP) is one way for the organisation to offer a humane and effective step forward.
When an organisation sets up an EAP agreement with Relationships Aotearoa it's likely to include some of the features set out below.
From the staff viewpoint:
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Staff know that when they need support, their organisation will help to provide that for them.
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Staff know that the service is available from a professional counselling agency.
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Staff know how to contact Relationships Aotearoa to make an appointment.
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Staff can make an appointment directly with Relationships Aotearoa without any awkwardness from explaining their situation at work.
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Staff know that they are entitled to a set number of sessions (usually 3-5). If additional sessions are required, staff can fund these independently or seek approval from their organisation for an extension of the service.
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Staff know that their privacy is assured, their personal concerns are not reported to the organisation.
From the organisation's viewpoint:
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The organisation can be confident that it has a system in place to support staff in situations causing stress or unhappiness.
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The organisation sets some limits to manage the potential size of the service. Usually this includes a way to identify the people who are eligible to use the service and a set number of sessions (usually 3-5) that a staff member can use without seeking approval.
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Some organisations arrange for reporting to identify themes and issues relevant to the organisation but which does not identify individuals.
If your organisation is interested in finding out more about an EAP service, contact your local Area Manager. You can find their contact details in Contact Us.