BACKED BY SCIENCE

At Employment Counselling Services (ECS) we offer tailored services to enhance organisational health. Our services create positive workplace changes, aligned with your organisational culture. ECS better understands the intricacies of workplace dynamics and mental health. Our unique edge is a specialised team trained in organisational psychology. We have developed research based tools to enable employees to thrive, and increase organisational productivity. 

As the understanding of emotional/mental health in the workplace continues to evolve, businesses have recognized the importance of supporting employee wellbeing. Emotional/mental health issues are costly in the workplace, with 20% of employees experiencing a mental health condition each year. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that depression and anxiety cost the global economy approximately $1 trillion each year in lost productivity. The American Psychological Association (APA) highlights that mental health problems can lead to increased absenteeism, decreased job satisfaction, and higher turnover rates. Effective mental health treatment is a sound economic investment for employers, yielding substantial increases in employee productivity.

The mental health and well-being of employees has emerged as critical to overall organisational health. Strategies demonstrated as essential for businesses to thrive include work environments that promote positive mental health, well-being initiatives, positive leadership styles, effective communication, re-designing jobs, better recruitment techniques, supporting and developing employees, and promoting work-life balance. By prioritising mental well-being organisations can reduce turnover, increase job satisfaction and foster a positive workplace culture. As businesses strive to create supportive work cultures, the integration of counselling services has become increasingly relevant. Partnering with ECS  is not just a benefit for employees, it is a strategic imperative for businesses.

Scientific Benefits of Partnering with ECS

  • Improved Workplace Culture: Workplaces that emphasise resources for emotional/mental health experience improved morale and employee relationships. Encouraging employees to seek emotional/mental health support when needed fosters an environment of openness, trust and support. 

  • Increased Productivity: Investing in employee mental health can lead to significant gains in productivity. Employees who feel supported and have better emotional/mental health are more likely to be engaged and motivated, leading to higher levels of productivity and creativity.

  • Reduced Absenteeism and Turnover: The cost associated with absenteeism and employee turnover can be substantial; replacing an employee can cost as much as 200% of their salary. Providing access to counselling services can help employees address challenges before they escalate, shown to reduce the likelihood of absenteeism while improving retention rates.

  • Enhanced Employee Well-Being: Employees who utilise counselling services report improved emotional well-being and life satisfaction. Offering a safe space for employees to express their concerns can also reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

  • Improved Safety: Behaviours associated with poor mental health are a risk factor for reduced workplace safety. Improving employee wellbeing improves organisational safety and assists in the management of workplace risks.

  • Crisis Management and Conflict Resolution: ECS offers support for crisis management and conflict resolution within organisations. Trained therapists can provide support during challenging times, such as layoffs, organisational changes, restructures, or personal crises. Moreover, we can help facilitate conflict resolution while helping employees navigate interpersonal issues. This contributes to reducing psychological compensation claims while maintaining a collaborative work environment.

  • Legal Obligations: Employment Counselling Services can support you to better fulfil your obligations under the Act to ensure a safe, healthy, and productive workplace. The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 states that employers are responsible for the mental/ physical health and safety of employees while they are at work. It encourages employers to implement health and wellbeing initiatives in the workplace. 

RESEARCH FINDINGS

A Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand study found employment counselling programmes increased productivity by 5% while reducing absenteeism by 20%.

A University of Auckland and Massey University study found employment counselling programmes can provide an ROl of up to 10 to 1, depending on the specific programme and its goals.

ECS programmes have resulted in increased job satisfaction through employees feeling more supported and valued by their employer.

Research has shown that businesses with ECS programmes see an average 34% reduction in healthcare costs by addressing employee health and wellness issues before they become more serious and costly.

Offering ECS programmes have demonstrated a commitment to supporting employee health and wellbeing, which can enhance organisational reputation as a responsible and caring employer.

Research has shown businesses with ECS programmes average a reduction of 31% in absenteeism.

Employment counselling programmes have been shown to average a 12% improvement in employee retention rates.

Research has demonstrated ECS programmes help employees manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues.