Have you experienced a key employee whose work is suffering because of personal problems? If you have, you know it’s one of the most difficult situations an owner or manager may face.

An individual’s issues could be alcohol or substance abuse, child or elder care, relationship challenges, psychological problems, financial or legal problems, even workplace related issues.

We have found that on their own, both managers and their employees are reluctant to deal with psychological distress in the workplace.

Not only is a manager’s caution understandable given the intimate, private nature of an employee’s personal problems, owners and managers also lack professional expertise in mental health. Bottom line, it’s uncomfortable to get involved with an employee this way. It may even risk crossing ethical boundaries.

For the employee’s part, he or she hesitates to reveal personal problems to their employer fearing repercussions. Or, especially for men, appearing weak and unable to handle issues that should have remained at home.

Company Sponsored, Confidential Help for Employee Mental Health Issues

But what if owners and managers could provide assistance to their employees through a neutral third party? A professional organization that specializes in quality work/life services and programs that reduce personal barriers to work performance.

Most importantly, one where an employee doesn’t have to ask permission from his or her employer to seek confidential help. The operative word here is “confidential.” The employee has less to fear if the employer is not privy to their psychological problems.

Well, now you can with a company-provided Employee Assistance Program (EAP). An EAP is an employer-based intervention program that aids employees in resolving issues that may be adversely affecting their work.

And don’t take our word for it, studies have shown reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety resulting in positive financial return for employers.

Employee Assistance Program from Empower Business Strategies

We are pleased to partner with the Center for Family Life and Recovery (CFLR) to offer an Employee Assistance Program for our clients. It’s here in Utica and Herkimer and provides your employees with compassionate support and expert guidance.

CFLR’s Employee Assistance Program helps people heal with short-term counseling, referrals, critical incident stress debriefing, consultation, and training services.

Their professional help is thoughtfully customized to each unique individual. It’s client-centered and solution focused. And most important, access for employees is easy and confidential.

They’re like your own, in-house mental health department providing valuable counseling and coaching to help keep your employees working at their best.

By the way, there’s another advantage of an Employee Assistance Program. It’s also a valuable incentive offered as a benefit during the hiring process. Easy, confidential expert mental help is an attractive feature that the best candidates will appreciate.

So contact us and we’ll explain the program and answer all of your questions.  Remember, this is a professional, confidential source for your employees that can greatly improve their lives and performance, both at work and at home. 

Until next time.