Workplaces and organisations are generally as effective as the people who inhabit them. Our workplace services address some of the 'people issues' that inevitably crop up in a working environment. They offer people in your organisation development opportunities to maintain and increase a range of work skills and support at times of stress.
If the service you have in mind is not outlined here, call your local Area Manager to find out if it is something we can do for you.
You can find the contact for your Area Manager at Contact Us.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Counselling
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, EAP counselling 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 at Contact Us.
Professional Support and Supervision.
A wide range of staff can benefit from professional support and supervision. Work roles that include any of the features listed below are worth considering for this service.
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Frequent high stress situations.
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High levels of conflict.
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Frequent 'judgement calls' or 'professional' decisions.
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Leadership or staff management.
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Working very independently or in isolation.
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High levels of contact with demanding clients.
The primary role of professional supervision is to assist staff to reflect on their work. Creating a reflective approach encourages thoughtful and integrated work styles. It helps new staff grow into their roles, and more experienced staff to capitalise on their knowledge. Staff who keep learning from the work they do often feel more satisfied, more stimulated and more confident.
In some cases supervision has a component of coaching. In particular Relationships Aotearoa offer skills in interpersonal relationships. Supervision can help to develop staff skills in areas such as dealing with conflict, giving useful feedback, and communicating clear expectations.
Supervision also provides an independent and confidential context for staff to debrief, to manage their own responses to work situations, and to let go of work stresses.
Supervision is a means of supporting staff that also supports the quality of work in an organisation.
Clinical Supervision for Counsellors
Relationships Aotearoa offers Supervision that is specifically focused for counsellors. We have trained supervisors who meet the supervision requirements of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors. Many of our supervisors have particular specialist skills to offer, either in working in particular modalities, or in areas such as couple work or working with violence.
Training and Facilitation
We can offer small group training around using interpersonal skills well in the workplace. Skills in giving and receiving feedback effectively can be very useful, especially to people entering a staff management role. Likewise, finding constructive ways to deal with conflict can improve the tone in many workplace situations. If your staff deal with many clients, some skills in working with people who get angry, or defensive, or evasive might be helpful.
Our trainers and facilitators can work with you in a number of different ways to help develop the 'people skills' that you want to encourage in your workplace. Discuss your needs with your local Area Manager to see what the best service would be for you.