Let me start off by stating that this piece of writing has nothing to do with marriage, marriage proposals, marriage engagements, or related commitments in the literal sense. It is merely a way of describing the importance of the relationship that needs to be created between Employee Well-Being Programs and E.A.P.’s (Employee Assistance Programs) in todays work culture. As well intended as E.A.P.’s are in supporting the mental and emotional health of employees, research shows that E.A.P. Programs on their own are highly underused in a majority of workplaces. Research also shows that a majority of employees who utilize an E.A.P. Program are doing so in an acute state of mental and emotional struggle.
Employee Well-Being Programs offer personal skill building and self-management opportunities that help employees assess their mental and emotional well-being on an ongoing basis, and potentially mitigate higher levels of mental and emotional distress. In order to build a strong foundation around an ongoing supportive work culture adopting the practices and benefits of both Employee Well-Being Programs and E.A.P.’s can increase employee retention, improve mental health, increase productivity, and create an environment of psychological safety that truly benefits everyone.
Proposal
I would like to keep reiterating the notion that we are not covering topics in the literal sense of “marriage” or the proposal thereof. The use of the word proposal is geared toward the concept and ideology of offering opportunities for individuals to establish elements of growth inside and outside the workplace. The personal and professional growth opportunities offered in the workplace has a multitude of benefits for both the employee and the employer. In todays work climate employers want to hire and retain employees that show a willingness and commitment to grow with the company in a long term role. However, employees also want to feel like their employer is truly invested in their long term growth as well.
An employee is usually offered access to medical benefits after completing their customary probationary period which in turn would give them access to any E.A.P. Programs offered by the company. Although this looks good on paper and readily available to be used if needed it ultimately does not advocate an ongoing level of support for the employee to maintain a healthy level of mental and emotional well-being. Employee Well-Being Programs that are part of an employers core values creates trust and shows employees that their well-being is a priority. Encouraging the use and application of self-management tools can help employees better identify challenge areas that may require a higher level of support offered within a companies E.A.P. Program.
Engagement
Engagement is the most important element in any proposed “union” in order to foster and maintain an open, honest, healthy, and positive relationship for both parties. A supportive work culture where employees feel safe to seek help, express themselves openly, make mistakes, apply problem solving skills, and contribute ideas without judgement supports continuous growth in all areas. Employee Well-Being Programs also allow for employees in any role, from the new hire to the CEO, to share the same goals and values that support mental and emotional well-being. Creating and maintaining mental and emotional well-being in the workplace is a continuous process of shared responsibility by both the employee and the employer.
All work environments are fluid, constantly in motion, and changing from one day to the next. Increased workloads, shifted expectations, quotas, and deadlines can create individual mental and emotional challenges for different people. By providing continuous and ongoing access to tools, methods, and strategies that support employee well-being individuals are encouraged to engage in a more solution oriented mindset. Increased self-awareness, shifting perspectives, improved communication, higher levels of social awareness, and stress management options allows for employees to address challenges in a manner that suits them best. Employees that experience challenges that require a higher level of ongoing support should always be encouraged to use the resources available to them through the E.A.P. Program.
Commitment
Commitment, the word that has the power to solidify and strengthen relationships or send people running for the hills. The choice to invest in both Employee Well-Being Programs as well as E.A.P. Programs shows a level of commitment and understanding to the many demands and challenges employees face both inside and outside of the workplace. A healthy and engaged workforce is now a strategic necessity for future success. Improving the mental health of employees can enhance their resilience to mental stress, improve decision-making, increase workflow, lower turnover, boost profitability, and create a more balanced work environment. If the ultimate goal of any investment is growth over time, the return on investment as it relates to employee well-being is limitless. The key to a successful “marriage” such as the one between Employee Well-Being Programs and E.A.P Programs is to acknowledge and support the continuous needs, values, and goals of both the employee and the employer.
Is This Where We Say I Do?
As we know the Covid-19 pandemic has drastically changed the landscape of the way we work and live. As a society we have to be able to manage and move with this change, trying to see through the blurred boundaries between work life and personal life. The rise in burnout, anxiety, and depression among employees is the inevitable cause and effect of trying to manage through the daily demands and expectations of a shifting work culture. Creating a culture in the workplace that consistently focuses on the ongoing mental and emotional well-being of employees can help individuals maintain a mental balance that supports success both personally and professionally. We can no longer deny the importance and necessity of implementing multi-layered support systems for employees at every level of business. Employee Well-Being Programs and E.A.P. Programs are the perfect “marriage” to achieve sustainability, growth, and success for businesses and the workforce they rely on.
