Tips for connection - multiple sites
Many organisations face the challenge of promoting the EAP across multiple offices, worksites and even international locations. As EAP typically falls under the list of responsibilities of an HR professional or team of professionals residing in only one location, we would like to assist you in making sure that all of your locations and worksites are both aware of and encouraged to access the EAP benefit.
Appoint EAP contacts at each site
Each site should have a manager or someone in a leadership position that is aware of all major processes that may need to be utilised for the EAP including the following:
- How to access the service and book an appointment
- The procedure for requesting support for a critical incident (CI)
- Know who has authority within organisation to book CI’s, trainings and mediations
- Know how to ensure promotional materials are replenished onsite
- Be registered for AccessEAP Online to access tip sheets, etc.
Recruit or Nominate AccessEAP Ambassadors at each site
Should your organisation choose to take part in this valuable and complimentary peer support training program, the easily–accessible webinar training format will be easy for your staff members to attend. AccessEAP Ambassadors are employees outside of the HR arena that are trained in understanding the EAP, how to access the service, and how to guide employees to support confidentially and without judgement.
To implement this program, please contact your Relationship Manager.
Webinars
AccessEAP Webinars are an excellent tool for both raising awareness of important mental health topics and the EAP overall. Webinars are also extremely cost effective and easy to promote over e-mail. Ask your Relationship Manager to provide you with a list of our current webinar offers.
Toolbox Talks and Teleconferences for sites without computer access
For some worksites, it is the lack of access to technology that inhibits the promotion of an EAP. For those working in construction, mining or other fieldwork, the best way to promote these services is through word of mouth.
There are two great ways your Relationship Manager can assist you with this issue:
- Providing you with a short PowerPoint presentation with notes to present your own Toolbox Talk on the EAP
- Your Relationship Manager can teleconference with main contacts at each site to deliver an awareness session over the phone to make sure leadership at every site is clear in common EAP processes and how to guide someone to the EAP.
Promote AccessEAP Online and EAP in Focus App
It is important to choose a date to promote AccessEAP Online and the EAP in Focus App.
There are both Employee and Employer areas of the site. Your relationship manager will provide you with instructions. If this information has been uploaded to the intranet, employees can be directed there as well.
Encourage employees to take a few minutes at work to register for this resource and download the app.
EAP In Focus is now available for download free of charge from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
It provides a direct call function to put your employees straight in touch with support and assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Booking appointments and e-counselling can also be organised conveniently within the App making it easier for your employees to access EAP services.
In addition to making accessing your EAP service easier, the App helps to remove the stigma and perceived barriers to accessing the service by explaining what happens in the initial counselling session and walking clients through the common myths held around counselling and mental health.