Two-thirds of employees have no clue if their employer offers EAP

Research has shown that more than two thirds of UK workers (68%) do not know whether their employer provides access to an employee assistance program (EAP). This suggests that many employers are failing to communicate, promote and engage their employees to ensure the success of their investment.

TELUS’ Mental Health Index (an online survey of UK employees) found that 33% remained at a high level of mental health risk. 16% of respondents reported anxiety, 12% of them depression, and 6% of them sleep disorders. Less than one out of 10 (7%) people reported participating in social activities.

The survey found that employers who encouraged and supported workers to become more physically active experienced significant productivity gains, which equated to up to 12 additional days of work per year. However, 11% admitted that they never engage in any physical activity.

The index emphasized the link between financial and mental well-being. The index found that employees without emergency funds are twice as likely as those with emergency funds to seek support for stress reduction, three times more likely to experience anxiety and four times more likely to be diagnosed with depression.

The index also evaluated respondents using a point-based scoring system. Higher points are associated with improved mental health, and lower mental health risks.

Scores between 0 and 49 corresponded to levels of ‘distress,’ scores between 50 and 79 with levels of’strain,’ and scores between 80-100 with optimal mental health.

Mental health scores of workers who are not satisfied with their physical health were 25 points lower than those who were satisfied. The productivity of these workers is also reduced by an extra 23 days per year.

The productivity of staff who are not motivated to improve their health is 20 days less than that of those who are.

Workers who feel their employer is not doing enough to support them in their physical well-being lose 28 extra workdays per year and score 16 points lower on mental health than motivated workers. In fact, workers who didn’t know if their employer provided an EAP scored at least three points below those who did.

Paula Allen is the global leader for research and client insight at TELUS Health.

This highlights the need for businesses to prioritize wellbeing as a strategic component of their success. She added that by integrating robust support programs like EAPs, physical health and wellness programmes, and workplace culture into the company’s business model, they can create a more resilient and engaged workforce.