What is EAP?
An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is a workplace benefit that provides confidential and short-term counselling and psychological support services to employees facing personal or work-related challenges. When an employee seeks assistance, they are typically connected with a licensed therapist or counsellor who can help them address their concerns, which may range from stress and mental health issues to substance abuse or family problems. EAPs aim to improve employees’ wellbeing, productivity, and overall job satisfaction while maintaining strict confidentiality to encourage employees to seek help without fear of repercussions.
How do I find out more about EAP in my workplace?
To find out whether you have access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and who your provider is, you can follow these steps:
- Start by reaching out to your Human Resources department or representative. They should have information about the EAP provider your company works with, if you have one, along with contact details.
- Review your employee benefits documentation: Check any employee handbooks, brochures, or benefits materials provided by your employer. EAP information is often included in these documents.
- Visit your company’s intranet or website: Many organisations post EAP information on their internal websites or portals. Look for a section related to employee benefits or wellbeing to find your EAP provider and how to contact them for assistance.
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Can I access Enhanced EAP services as an individual if my company is not an Umbrella Wellbeing client?
At this stage, we only offer support to individuals who are employed with our client organisations. Before contacting the Umbrella team for EAP support as an individual, please make sure you check who your EAP provider is with your employer. To find out more about self-funded support, visit the New Zealand Mental Health Foundation website or find a psychologist on The New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists directory.