We currrently have access to an EAP through a benefits platform which we have been using for a couple of years, however, the service has recently declined.
We've had some specific issues with lack of support, no face to face or crisis offering and I'm keen to understand whether anyone has looked at alternative methods of support?
We have employees all over the country so can't go direct to one or two counsellors but wondered whether anyone had implemented a network of counsellors or something that might be more innovative than the standard EAP offering.
Any thoughts really appreciated!
There are plenty of providers out there, so it is worth doing a supplier review process, including refreshing your requirements.
Generally, something you get as a free add on to a benefits platform or insurance product provided by another organisation is going to be less effective than something you pay for and manage directly.
Thank you both.
Our main concern is that our EAP is not supporting our colleagues. I understand face to face may still be limited but there are certain scenarios that this is required. Individuals are also being referred back to the NHS rather than opting for a face to face which we have in our contract.
We will continue to review and work with them on it but curious to see whether anyone had tried anything outside the standard EAP box.
Really appreciate your thoughts, thank you
Hello Sarah. Our EAP was under utilised with difficulties accessing the magic '5 free counselling sessions' with colleagues either being too ill or not ill enough to get them. We still have an EAP for the 24/7 support but are piloting Plumm Health which gives our colleagues access to free counselling and therapy services in as little as 24 hours, access to chat therapy, a meditation and soundscape library and recorded therapy led sessions on a variety of subjects. It costs around £1 per colleague per month but the feedback has been nothing short of amazing. https://www.plummhealth.com/
Hi Sarah, I can't comment on the main question as we just use a standard EAP. I understand from our EAP Provider that following Covid a significant proportion of counsellors are not keen to return to face-to-face practice (partly operating costs of an office, partly a lifestyle thing). Our provider does still offer face-to-face, but the coverage is now more limited and they are having to put in incentives to affiliate counsellors to retain them. Our provider do not appear unduly concerned as they deem remote counselling just as effective (although obviously each individual requiring counselling with have their own preference). With relation to your main question I suspect that the issue with face-to-face coverage might be the same even if you didn't go through a traditional EAP (but I haven't checked). There would also be the Clinical Governance/Quality Control piece to consider if there wasn't an EAP Provider looking after this. Best of luck