As each new lockdown comes around and employees everywhere feel the pain of isolation, the role of business owners becomes more and more difficult. From deteriorating mental health to the complications of remote working, it is unsurprising that businesses are feeling strained under the effects of Coronavirus. While many companies offer employee benefits insurance packages, some are unaware of the added value services that come with them.
Services such as Employee Assistance Programmes aim to help employees deal with work and life before they get to the stage of needing to claim. Employee assistance programmes are included in the cost of the policies and can lessen the workload of individuals within the business by providing the following non-monetary support.
Counselling
Although many people believe the opposite, working from home can lead to overworking! Common reasons we hear for overworking at home are an inability to separate work-life from home-life and confusion around expected working hours. Despite its frequent glamourisation, overworking is unsustainable and can lead to burnout, stress and ultimately deteriorated productivity and mental health. Business owners bear the brunt of these consequences, especially now, while budgets are constantly being cut.
Counselling is a great way to reduce stress levels and avoid burnout, but while the pandemic has us in its clutches, it is much harder to access. Our employee assistance programmes offer virtual counselling, taking the pressure off business owners – who are usually not the best people to deal with mental health issues anyway.
Virtual GP
In a time that we are constantly being told to avoid each other, getting medical advice virtually has never been more important. Whether it’s a broken leg or COVID, seeing a doctor over a video call can be a more convenient and equally as useful alternative to a face-to-face appointment.
For high-risk employees or anyone anxious to leave the house, the option to see a GP online can mean the difference between seeing a doctor or not at all. By promoting the use of a virtual GP, business owners can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and still keep everybody healthy. Productivity will always see a boost when work is disrupted as little as possible.
Workplace Prevention
One of the most popular features of our employee assistance programmes is the option to have a workplace assessment conducted to determine what can be done around the workplace to keep employees safe and healthy.
Stopping accidents and injuries before they happen is in the interest of everyone involved with insurance policies. For employers and employees, reduced time off work is beneficial for productivity and wellbeing, while insurers are always happy not to have to pay out. From maintaining a social distance to keeping everyone healthy, workplace assessments are now not just useful to employees, but to anyone concerned with compliance. By partnering with insurers who include workplace assessments in their policies, we hope to reduce the additional workload for business owners that is caused by the pandemic.
How to Enrol in Employee Assistance Programmes
Businesses are working tirelessly to ensure they survive the pandemic, and we are happy to help however we can. Employee assistance programmes take some of the strain off business owners by outsourcing specific issues to professionals.
All the employee assistance features mentioned here, and more, are available as part of any Group Life Insurance, Group Medical Insurance, Group Income Protection or Group Critical Illness policies. For any business owners looking to open a new policy or find out if the policies they offer include employee assistance programmes a great place to start is with an insurance broker.
A specialised employee benefits broker, such as Hooray Health & Protection, can conduct a free market review and find you the most suitable policy for the best price.
About the Author
Felicty Thompson, Head of Copy at Hooray Health & Protection, comes from a psychological background, with experience writing for individuals and businesses across the globe. Felicity first worked in insights and analytics, where she witnessed the difficulty businesses have transforming data into creative content. She then moved to writing with the intention of connecting brands with their consumers using data-driven copy. As well as writing, Felicity loves travelling, and is currently based on Australia’s Sunshine Coast.
HR, Health & Safety Support
Partnering with Hooray Health & Protection, HR Solutions are here to provide businesses and employers with support and advice on any employment related issues.
To find out more contact us by completing the form below or call us on 0844 324 5840.
