An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free, confidential counselling service paid for by employers to support their staff and immediate families. It provides professional and immediate support for personal and work-related issues.
Here’s how an EAP typically works:
- The service is provided by an external partner, like Altius, to ensure confidentiality.
- Employees can access it via a dedicated phone helpline or online booking portal.
- They are matched with a qualified psychologist or counsellor.
- Appointments are available via phone, video, or in-person sessions.
- All use of the service is private; managers are not notified.
What Support Do EAPs Provide?
EAP services in Australia offer broad support for common challenges. Employee assistance programs typically cover:
- Mental Health: Counselling for stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout.
- Workplace Issues: Support for conflict, harassment, or workload pressures.
- Personal Matters: Guidance through grief, loss, relationship issues, and family concerns.
- Lifestyle Coaching: Advice for financial budgeting, legal queries, and healthy habit formation.
This workplace wellbeing support is designed to provide early intervention and is completely confidential.
Why Are Employee Assistance Programs Valuable?
Investing in an EAP delivers valuable benefits for everyone.
For Employees:
- Free, immediate access to professional mental health assistance.
- A safe, confidential space to discuss any issue.
- Improved resilience and personal wellbeing.
For Employers:
- Reduced absenteeism and presenteeism.
- Higher productivity and employee engagement.
- A demonstrable commitment to health and safety, strengthening workplace culture.
Programs like Altius EAP services use evidence-based practices to ensure effective outcomes for staff and organisations.
See how Altius can tailor an Employee Assistance Program to your organisation's needs. Contact us.
PeopleSense: Psychology & Wellbeing by Altius provides these EAP services. All counselling is delivered by fully registered and qualified psychologists, in adherence with AHPRA guidelines.