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An Employee Assistance Program offers employees of a company the opportunity to quickly obtain discrete advice and, if necessary, professional assistance with any personal problem which may influence their professional performance.
This type of service originated in the 1940s in the United States amongst a number of companies who were confronted with the economic effects of the alcohol related problems of their employees. Since, the EAP evolved into a more general psychological assistance for personal or work related problems. Also legal and financial services were added.
Currently an EAP typically offers a total package of preventative and curative services. Companies offer it to their employees in order to improve their wellbeing.
The WHO has ascertained that 20% of the world population suffers from some kind of mental health problem, with depression and stress being the most prevalent. Companies experience the effects of this, among others, in the form of diminished productivity, increased sick leave, increased medical costs, higher staff turnover, etc. The current EAP also reflect the concept that the workplace is influenced by an individual’s private problems and vice versa, but also that the workplace can be the cause and the solution of the problems. Individual wellbeing and a healthy working environment lead to greater success as an organisation.
“Employee Assistance is a work-based program to improve organizational performance through the provision of structured management and employee support services” (definition EAEF).
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How does the EAP work?
The EAP of Eupora can be purchased for a predetermined period, normally one year, by the company, who then offers these services to its employees and their family members. For advice or help the employee can phone a free telephonic service 24/7 (0800-number or 00800 internationally). The caller is then referred to a specialised counselor in his/her area for short, solution focussed counseling.
Depending on the nature of the problem a defined number of individual sessions are planned. Aim is to assist the person in identifying the problem and laying out the options to cope with it. These appointments take place off-site and outside of working hours. Should longer-term counseling or specialised help be required (e.g. psychotherapy, rehabilitation, psychiatrist, lawyer, etc.), the counselor assists in contacting suitable professional services. However, the costs of these services are carried by the employee.
Use of the services is completely voluntary and strictly confidential. Every quarter Eupora provides an anonymous statistical overview to inform the company about the nature of the problems their employees are struggling with. Annually Eupora reports on possible structural problems. Recommendations are made to remedy these on an organisational level.
In order to inform the employees on the EAP services, various communication tools are made available to the company: brochures, posters, calling cards, etc. Group information sessions are also offered.
All counselors are qualified psychologists and/or psychotherapists, carefully selected and continuously supervised by Eupora.
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What assistance is offered?
1. Psychosocial counseling
A counselor contacts the caller within 48 hours from the first telephonic contact. In a defined number of individual face-to-face sessions, counselor and client search for short-term solutions to the problem. Should long-term or specialised help be required, referrals are made to the most appropriate professional service.
- Work related
- Conflicts with colleagues or with a supervisor
- Pestering
- Stress, burn-out
- Sexual harassment
- ...
- Family related
- Problems with partner
- Parenting
- Children’s problems
- Grief, mourning
- ...
- Individual problems
- Alcohol or drug related problems
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sleeplessness
- ...
2. Legal advice
The Eupora helpline (available 24/7) organises a telephonic consultation with a lawyer. All classic legal questions are possible except for problems which are related to the employer. 3 to 4 telephone calls are provided in the free package for a total period of 2 hours, spread over 3 months.
- Family law
- Divorce
- Juvenile
- Parents
- ...
- Contract law
- Insurances
- Construction
- Rent
- Contrats
- ...
- Criminal law
3. Debt mediation and budget advice
These services aim to provide preventative help in planning and managing a budget and, if necessary, assist the caller in submitting an application for debt mediation. The helpline of Eupora organises a house call to document the dossier, draw up a budget analysis and if necessary - via a lawyer - initiate the application for debt mediation.
- Budget analysis
- Budget advice in high debt situations
- Threatening seizure
- Application for debt mediation
- ...
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Advantages of the EAP
Advantages for the employer
o Reduced absenteeism and staff turnover, less recruiting and training costs
o Increased motivation, higher productivity
o Higher employee satisfaction, stronger identification with the company
o Positioning as a socially sensitive and progressive employer
o Unique and competitive benefit
o …
Advantages for the employee
o Quick and easy access to professional help, free of charge
o Strictly private and confidential
o Permanently available, access for the whole family
o Improved relationships, both professionally and in private life
o Better able to deal with stress, tension and conflicts
o Improved self confidence, better work/life balance
o …
Eupora offers EAP services in Dutch, French or English in Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France and French-speaking Switzerland. Through its international partners, services can be offered in other countries worldwide. » hide the above text
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