Understanding Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP)

There’s an expectation for businesses to step up and help their employees cope with the pressures of everyday life and managing their mental health. And that’s what an Employee Assistance Programme does. In short, EAPs help staff come to terms with problems in their lives and offer advice and support to resolve them quickly and with clarity. Without this, employees could become vulnerable to stress and anxiety.

What are Employee Assistance Programmes?

EAP and International Employee Assistance Programmes (IEAP) are free, confidential and available 24/7. Employees and their dependants can phone the EAP helpline, provide a few details and arrange a call-back at a time that suits them. They’ll then get a call from a counsellor (usually on the same day) to carry out an initial assessment that establishes the nature of the problem and recommends the best course of action. Employees and their dependants will then receive counselling (usually up to six sessions by phone, video or face-to-face) or be referred to another specialist. Following these sessions, a wrap-up call is arranged to ensure the coping strategies discussed are working and the employee is better placed to move forward and self-manage their issue.

While times are changing, some people find it hard to open up about how they feel due to the stigma surrounding mental health. And that’s why services like EAP are so important. With experienced mental health professionals on the line, employees feel more at ease to chat about their issues.

What are the benefits of an EAP?

EAPs benefit both employees and their employers, as it’s no secret that a healthy workforce is essential to growing business. That’s why companies around the world invest in healthcare and thrive on the results. Health and well-being services are now regarded as a must-have company benefit, and services like EAP prove that an organisation values and cares for its employees. With a positive company culture, brand reputation is immediately enhanced, alongside providing higher workplace productivity and efficiency. Without this critical support, employees won't be at their best if they’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, and producing lower quality work.

Why Choose Cigna Healthcare EAP?

Through Cigna Healthcare, Global Health Benefits EAP and IEAP, your workers will be fully supported no matter where their assignment takes them. At Cigna Healthcare, we take mental health matters seriously and treat them and your employees with the respect and attention they deserve. Our trained mental health professionals are available anywhere, anytime to provide critical assistance in times of crisis. The Cigna EAP is designed to not only improve health outcomes among employees but also enhance the reputation of companies as well as entice prospective employees looking to be treated well.

Some examples of what help an employee might need, and where the EAP can help, are:

• Telephonic and face-to-face mental health support, with free and confidential access 24/7
• Access to specialised support and advice in multiple languages
• Counselling support: Face to face, telephonic or video sessions with a counsellor
• Behavioural coaching: Telephonic mindfulness programme, online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Life coaching assistance for practical, legal, and financial concerns for employees and their families

Next Steps
Cigna Healthcare is responsible for the care of over 180 million customers and patients worldwide and leads the market in developing cost-effective plans that can be customised to the needs of individual clients.

To learn more about our health plans, visit the employers section on this website or arrange a call to speak with a Cigna Healthcare representative and get more information on Employee Assistance Programmes.