Following the launch of our Build a Better Workforce survey, we are sharing useful tips on how to make your workplace even better for staff. Laura Wood, our Clinical, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Specialist, kicks of a new series of information focused on how you can best support your staff.
Research from UK Heath Security Agency (formerly Public Health England) has shown that during this pandemic the proportion of adults aged 18 and over reporting a clinically significant level of psychological distress increased from 20.8% in 2019 to 29.5% in April 2020. The Office for National Statistics reported that depression and anxiety increased in all age groups with the 16–39-year-old age group being most affected.
With the continuing uncertainties caused by the coronavirus pandemic, many employees are experiencing increased stress, anxiety, worries and fears. Some staff have their own set of worries whether this is related to the pandemic or not and people cope in different ways. Some staff may be living here from overseas and have a limited support network whilst others may be struggling financially, have personal family worries or perhaps have lost someone close. Many employers are concerned about how to help provide support to their employees.
Employee Assistance Programmes are on the rise and offer an external programme that provide support to employees to improve their mental health and wellbeing. If employees are well in their personal life, they will most certainly be more productive in the workplace. Whether staff are buying a new home, experiencing an illness, managing money concerns, relationships and raising children there is support out there.
The types of services that Employee Assistance Programmes offer vary, however will offer a range of support such as:
- Confidential counselling services
- Debt management/financial support
- Wellbeing workshops
- Stress management workshops
- Support with physical health and wellbeing
- Meditation
- A wide range of information and advice from employment and housing to immigration and holidays
Having an Employee Assistance Programme in place not only has benefits for staff but also the employer. This can include reduced absenteeism and improve morale, increase employee engagement and improved employee loyalty and retention. A happier, healthier workforce will provide better work performance.
Ensuring employees are mentally and physically well isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s good for your organisation.
Invest in your employees, not only during the pandemic but also when we start to return to normality, your employees will remember the wealth of support available to them.
Further information
EAPA Association – https://www.eapa.org.uk/find-an-eap-provider/
Employee Assistance Programmes for your workplace
https://www.qcs.co.uk/employee-assistance-programmes-for-your-workplace/
Being a Carer Friendly Workplace
https://www.qcs.co.uk/being-a-carer-friendly-workplace
Share your workforce challenges with QCS in our
‘Building a Better Workforce Together’ Survey
