Can also help improve relationships with colleagues
and satisfaction with personal life
A survey of people who have received counselling sessions
through an employee assistance programme, has revealed that over
half (52%) claim that without this help their concerns would have
caused them to miss work. In addition, only 17% of those questioned
felt that their ability to cope with the demands of their job was
'good' or 'very good' before they had counselling, as opposed to
64% afterwards.
The research was carried out among 4,213 employees from a range
of businesses, who have access to counselling services as part of
an employee assistance programme from FirstAssist, part of the
Capita Group.
Importantly, the results also show that counselling has a
positive effect on employees' personal lives, with just 9% saying
satisfaction with their personal life was 'good' or 'very good'
before counselling, compared to 57% saying the same thing
afterwards. Relationships with colleagues were also improved, with
23% saying they were either 'poor' or 'very poor' before, as
opposed to only 2% afterwards.
Commenting on the results, Andrea Waller, managing director,
FirstAssist, part of the Capita Group, said: "All the wider
evidence shows that mental health issues are on the rise. Anxiety
and depression can have a serious effect on all areas of a person's
life, including their work. By cultivating an open and supportive
working environment, including access to confidential counselling
services as part of a comprehensive health and wellbeing approach,
employers can work with employees to help them overcome their
issues, which in turn will result in a more productive and loyal
workforce. As pioneers of telephone counselling services for
employees in the UK, this is something we have witnessed with many
of our customers."
For further information please contact us on 08000 721
197.