Workers want support for legal concerns as well as mental wellbeing, according to analysis of employee assistance programme (EAP) data from Towergate Health & Protection.
Calls from employees seeking advice from one of the company’s leading EAP providers increased by 25% over the last year, the data revealed.
The most common reason for employees contacting the EAP on advice-related issues surrounded their employment (27%). This included queries regarding employment rights, pay issues, HR issues, causes of workplace stress and employment law.
The next most common need for guidance was regarding divorce and separation, which made up 22% of the advice-related calls. Other queries included seeking advice on childcare, housing and civil action.
Following the data analysis, Towergate Health & Protection is urging employers to ensure they are providing employees with access to information and advice on concerns such as legal matters, divorce, childcare, housing, disputes with neighbours, wills and more.
David Williams, head of group risk at Towergate Health & Wellbeing, said: “Many employers may tend to think of EAPs as there to provide counselling for mental health issues, such as low mood and anxiety. But counselling is just one side of the support that an EAP can offer. The need for advice and information on other areas is growing, particularly on the topics of divorce, separation and housing.”
Williams added: “When companies support their employees across all four pillars of health and wellbeing – mental, physical, social, and financial – they gain a happier, healthier and more engaged workforce that feels valued. Taking problems off their shoulders – via the specific support available within an EAP – is a great way to do this.”
