Focus EAP Limited - Provider of Employee Assistance Programmes
What the mind of man can conceive and believe, the man of mind can achieve.
The Managing Director and key staff of Focus launched their first Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) in 1988, this being the first EAP introduced to the UK by a British company.
Focus gained ISO 9000 Certification with QMS in 1996 and they currently provide tailored programmes for a wide variety of organisations, in both private and public sectors, with employees based throughout the UK.
Although many large firms have this kind of support system in place, Focus EAP Ltd also provides cost effective provision for medium and small businesses. What are Employee Assistance Programmes? EAPs are a form of employee support which helps them tackle both personal and work issues and therefore can be of great benefit to them. However, EAPs are not designed solely for this purpose. They are also designed and provided as an effective organisational resource aimed at supporting management as well as staff. In this respect, they will enable the organisation to identify and address issues which have a negative impact on employees' well-being and their work, through management information and analysis. It is worth noting that being an organisational tool to help tackle stress and promote employee well-being, an EAP is not taxable as a benefit in kind. EAPs provide a confidential forum through which matters can be dealt with, often without involving managers.
This can help reduce any stigma associated with seeking assistance to counter stress or alleviate personal issues that are distracting individuals, which may affect their work. This type of programme can also relieve pressure on human resources, occupational health and line managers who have time pressures and, in the case of line management, may not have the range of skills required to help employees who are experiencing problems. At the same time, managers who recommend the use of the service to one of their team would not be avoiding their responsibilities.
Another major advantage of this type of confidential support system is that it can provide direct assistance to managers who require guidance in handling difficult or sensitive staff situations. Where the HR or Personnel Department is under pressure, assistance can be obtained on employment law and the like and HR consultancy is available. How does an EAP work?
- A 24hr/365 day telephone service via an 0800 number, providing direct access to counselling, information, guidance and support for a range of issues. These include work, emotional, stress, relationship, family, alcohol, drug, financial, legal and others including health, child and elder care and consumer issues. Assessment for onward referral where appropriate is also made. The telephone service is unlimited in the number of times an employee may access it and the duration of the calls.
- Referral to face to face counselling (limited to an agreed number, usually 4 or 5) or specialist advice such as legal and debt, where appropriate.
- Account management including reporting, periodic review meetings and promotional activities.
- Consultancy for managers, HR advice.
- Service monitoring and evaluation.
- Monthly/quarterly reporting detailing usage data, issues and trends while protecting confidentiality. Reporting on critical issues as necessary.
For more information on Focus EAP services, call James Wright, Client Services Manager on 0208 441 9300.
The Managing Director and key staff of Focus launched their first Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) in 1988, this being the first EAP introduced to the UK by a British company.
Focus gained ISO 9000 Certification with QMS in 1996 and they currently provide tailored programmes for a wide variety of organisations, in both private and public sectors, with employees based throughout the UK.
Although many large firms have this kind of support system in place, Focus EAP Ltd also provides cost effective provision for medium and small businesses. What are Employee Assistance Programmes? EAPs are a form of employee support which helps them tackle both personal and work issues and therefore can be of great benefit to them. However, EAPs are not designed solely for this purpose. They are also designed and provided as an effective organisational resource aimed at supporting management as well as staff. In this respect, they will enable the organisation to identify and address issues which have a negative impact on employees' well-being and their work, through management information and analysis. It is worth noting that being an organisational tool to help tackle stress and promote employee well-being, an EAP is not taxable as a benefit in kind. EAPs provide a confidential forum through which matters can be dealt with, often without involving managers.
This can help reduce any stigma associated with seeking assistance to counter stress or alleviate personal issues that are distracting individuals, which may affect their work. This type of programme can also relieve pressure on human resources, occupational health and line managers who have time pressures and, in the case of line management, may not have the range of skills required to help employees who are experiencing problems. At the same time, managers who recommend the use of the service to one of their team would not be avoiding their responsibilities.
Another major advantage of this type of confidential support system is that it can provide direct assistance to managers who require guidance in handling difficult or sensitive staff situations. Where the HR or Personnel Department is under pressure, assistance can be obtained on employment law and the like and HR consultancy is available. How does an EAP work?
- A 24hr/365 day telephone service via an 0800 number, providing direct access to counselling, information, guidance and support for a range of issues. These include work, emotional, stress, relationship, family, alcohol, drug, financial, legal and others including health, child and elder care and consumer issues. Assessment for onward referral where appropriate is also made. The telephone service is unlimited in the number of times an employee may access it and the duration of the calls.
- Referral to face to face counselling (limited to an agreed number, usually 4 or 5) or specialist advice such as legal and debt, where appropriate.
- Account management including reporting, periodic review meetings and promotional activities.
- Consultancy for managers, HR advice.
- Service monitoring and evaluation.
- Monthly/quarterly reporting detailing usage data, issues and trends while protecting confidentiality. Reporting on critical issues as necessary.
For more information on Focus EAP services, call James Wright, Client Services Manager on 0208 441 9300.
Labels: Employee Assistance Programme, Focus, ISO 9000