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Life and other catastrophes...

Navigating your way using the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

By Malcolm Argyle

Life is full of twists and turns, and occasionally we're thrown a curve ball we didn't expect. We all experience day-to-day problems that, although inconvenient, are fairly easy to get around. Often, we can deal with these ourselves, and continue on our way. But sometimes, just when we're flying along smoothly, we hit a sudden stretch of turbulence. Or we hit a roadblock. Or sometimes, we just need a little help getting through a particularly rough patch. When that happens, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can provide support by providing a free and confidential service to help you through life's difficulties.

Many stresses arise from life's normal course - even coping with happy occasions can sometimes present challenges. We all encounter some degree of stress in various stages of life, whether it comes in the form of job changes, marriage, divorce, parenting or caring for elderly parents. Considering that some of us spend a good 50 per cent of our waking hours at work, it's hardly surprising that many of us also experience work-related problems. Whether or not the stress in your life is work-related, chances are your job performance will be affected. Giving your full attention to your job when your mind is preoccupied with something else is, without doubt, a challenge.

Employee Assistance Program

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to all Defence civilian employees who need assistance to cope with a difficult period in their lives.

The National EAP for Defence civilian employees commenced operation on 1 November 2004, with International Psychological Services (IPS Worldwide) contracted to provide the service.

The 2004-2006 Defence Employees' Certified Agreement makes a clear commitment to looking after the welfare of its people. Principle G30 states that, Defence recognises that the welfare of its employees is an important element of achieving 'Results through People'. Defence will provide confidential and professional counselling services for all employees and their families to help them resolve work-related problems or personal problems that may impact on their working lives.

Since the commencement of the National EAP in November 2004, hundreds of employees, and their immediate family members, have sought assistance across a broad range of issues, including:

• Relationship, marital and family problems;
• Work-related concerns;
• Financial or legal problems;
• Adjusting to change;
• Health concerns, including stress management and anxiety;
• Substance abuse;
• Grief/loss or bereavement;
• Child rearing issues;
• Conflict;
• Work/Life balance difficulties; and
• Gambling problems.

How EAP works

The EAP is a free service, with IPS providing professional short-term counselling, information and resource referrals, critical incident counselling and a Manager HelpLine. Access to the EAP is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Assistance is available to all Defence civilian employees, irrespective of their location.

Defence will fund up to four counselling sessions per employee, or family member, per issue. Each session is generally in the form of an hour appointment. If, after four sessions however, the issue is not resolved and the service provider feels that an issue can be resolved within a reasonable period, up to four additional sessions may be approved by Defence.

The program operates on a strictly confidential basis and the names of employees utilising its range of services are not disclosed to Defence. However, if a counselling session is during work hours, a supervisor will need to be advised of the employee's absence.

Reports that detail the number and frequency of employees utilising the EAP, as well as data concerning issues addressed and levels of satisfaction with the service are provided to Defence by IPS. The reports do not contain the personal details of anyone utilising the program but they do assist in the identification of trends in the sorts of issues Defence employees are managing, which may in turn assist to address workplace-specific issues.

Assistance for managers and supervisors

When the performance of an otherwise competent employee shows signs of decreasing, it may be an indicator that personal circumstances are affecting their ability to concentrate while at work. A tailored service - the Manager HelpLine - is provided as part of the contract with IPS. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Through the Manager HelpLine, managers of civilian staff - whether they are civilian and military officers - can access experienced psychologists, who can provide advice to assist with dealing with issues that may affect performance in the workplace.

How to Seek Help

Individuals wishing to utilise the EAP can contact IPS on 1300 366 789. This number can be called from anywhere in Australia for the price of a local call.

Managers can call the toll free Manager HelpLine on 1800 451138.

For after hours crisis counselling, or traumatic incidents call 1800 451138. This toll free number can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. (This number also accesses the Manager HelpLine.)

IPS can also be contacted via email to ips@eap.com.au.

Additional information can be found at the IPS Web site at www.eap.com.au

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