What is an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)?

An Employee Assistance Programme, or EAP, is an employer-funded initiative that provides confidential counselling and support for employees facing personal and work challenges. EAP services are designed to help employees address issues that could impact their mental health, job performance, and overall well-being. EAP services are often accessible at no cost to employees and can provide immediate support for critical incidents.

By offering EAP services, employers support a healthy workplace, reducing absenteeism and staff turnover, and promoting job satisfaction and productivity. Our EAP counselling sessions can be conducted face-to-face, over the phone, or via teleconference, allowing employees to access support wherever they feel comfortable.

Benefits of EAP Counselling and Support Services

Modern EAP services address a wide range of issues, from family and marital problems to workplace-related stress. Originally established to combat alcoholism and drug abuse, EAPs now offer confidential counselling for:

• Job stress and managing workplace pressures
• Family and marital issues, including support for family members
• Coping with workplace bullying, harassment, or violence
• Balancing caregiver responsibilities, such as child and elder care
• Major life events (e.g., retirement, bereavement, divorce)
• Financial or legal concerns
• Adjusting to organisational changes, including company downsizing

In Australia, where over 65% of the workforce spends a significant part of their lives at work, it’s essential to maintain a psychologically supportive workplace.

Components of EAP Services at The Three Seas

Our Employee Assistance Programme typically includes short-term counselling (3-6 sessions) by registered psychologists. In these sessions, our EAP counsellors assess the psychological health of employees and develop tailored treatment plans to address specific issues. If ongoing support is required, employees may be referred to suitable external mental health services.

The counselling offered through EAPs is often “reactive,” meaning employees can reach out when facing specific mental health challenges. In addition to reactive counselling, The Three Seas offers proactive EAP services to support organisational health. These include:

• Workplace health assessments to identify well-being needs
• Leadership development programmes to support management teams
• Mental health workshops focused on resilience and job engagement

Research consistently shows that combining reactive and proactive EAP interventions leads to better outcomes for employees and organisations alike.

External vs. Internal EAP Services

Many companies choose to contract an external provider, like The Three Seas, for their EAP services. This approach allows for greater confidentiality and minimises any stigma associated with seeking help, as employees can access support outside their workplace.

Benefits of External EAP Services:

• Confidential access to counselling outside the workplace
• Assurance of privacy and anonymity
• Reduced risk of dual relationships with in-house staff

Some organisations opt for internal EAP services, allowing employees easier access to counselling on-site and the benefit of counsellors familiar with the workplace culture.

The Three Seas EAP Approach

At The Three Seas, our Employee Assistance Programme goes beyond traditional short-term counselling. We offer a range of proactive services, including workplace well-being assessments, tailored mental health workshops, and leadership coaching. Our goal is to prevent issues before they arise and to build resilience within the organisation.

Employees can schedule appointments directly with The Three Seas, assured of complete confidentiality. We provide monthly de-identified reports for employers, allowing them to monitor programme effectiveness and identify common challenges employees may be facing. Regular six- and twelve-month reviews enable us to tailor EAP services to meet the evolving needs of the organisation.

With locations in Melbourne’s CBD, Richmond, Fitzroy North and Knox, The Three Seas offers accessible psychological services, including on-site support for employees unable to visit our clinics. We provide flexible appointment options, including after-hours and weekend availability, to ensure employees receive timely support.

Get in Touch with The Three Seas EAP Team

The Three Seas proudly partners with a diverse range of organisations across Victoria. To learn more about how our Employee Assistance Programme can support your team, call us at 9809-1000. We’re here to help your employees thrive, both personally and professionally.

Information for Employers: HERE