Your business's secret weapon: an EAP

Ever heard of an EAP? It stands for Employee Absence Protection, and it could be your business’s secret weapon. An EAP is a range of online and in-person support services that help your staff through both personal and professional problems while promoting general wellbeing. They give confidential advice in several ways: over the phone, online, via apps or in person, as well as referring people on to other professionals like counsellors. When you offer such care to your staff, you get the best out of them. And that helps your business get better. Here’s how… Saves your business money You might think that it isn’t easy to measure how much you can save through intangible gains like improved morale, wellbeing and a more harmonious working environment. But with fewer days lost to sickness, smaller staff turnover and a more engaged workforce, the ways an EAP saves you money are clear. Reduces staff sick leave A less-stressed team is less likely to take frequent, unexplained absences—meaning you have fewer days where you generate less income. With the instant on-the-go support offered by an EAP, as well as a way to get a fast referral to an expert, you give your staff the tools to either stay in or return to peak condition. Keeps your best people The worse your staff feel—be it their physical health, mental health, or general engagement with work—the more likely they are to leave and work elsewhere. A high staff turnover is expensive. Recruitment costs can begin to soar, especially when you struggle to replace your best people. An EAP gives you a better chance of eliminating such dangers. Improves staff health & wellbeing Nobody’s perfect. Every once in a while we all need a little help through a difficult time. Whether it’s for work-related issues or personal ones, an EAP support network is the answer. An EAP is on hand to provide staff with coping mechanisms or ways to take both action on and responsibility for their present situation. Boosts performance & productivity A healthier, happier workforce is a stronger and more productive workforce. With an EAP you can help your people get back to their best much quicker. You show them how much you value them, which gets your business back in a stronger position. And, with a full complement of staff all working towards a common goal, there’s nothing to stop you and your business achieving success.