EAPs for Winter Wellness

While this winter has been milder than usual, the winter blues can still sneak up on us and put a damper on morale. This is a good time of year for employers to remind their teams about the valuable tools and support available through Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), ensuring everyone has access to the assistance they need not just to survive, but thrive – both in their personal lives and the workplace.  

Winter Blues and Beyond

During the winter season, we’re not getting as much sunshine as we’d like, which disrupts our internal clocks and impacts our moods. Let’s not forget about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that impacts millions during winter months. Those impacted by SAD may feel like they’re dragging themselves through the day, struggling to concentrate and muster up the energy to get things done. In fact, employees with SAD are up to four times more likely to struggle with concentration and productivity.

The weeks following the holiday season can bring their own set of stressors, including financial pressures, which can exacerbate these challenges. As employers, understanding and acknowledging these factors is important in providing support and resources to help employees get through the winter months with resilience.

How EAPs Can Help

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are employer-sponsored programs designed to support employees with various personal and professional challenges that may impact their well-being and performance in the workplace. Introduced in the 1940s as a response to the psychological needs of returning Second World War veterans, EAPs initially focused on addressing alcoholism and substance abuse issues.

Over the years, EAPs have evolved to encompass a broader range of services, including:

• Counselling: EAPs offer access to confidential and individual counselling sessions, providing employees with a safe space to discuss their concerns and receive support from trained professionals.
  
• Work-Life Balance Support: EAPs can offer resources to help employees prioritize self-care and set boundaries to achieve a better balance between work and personal life.
  
• Stress Management: EAPs often provide tools for stress management, including relaxation techniques, mindfulness exercises, and time management strategies to help employees manage ongoing stressors.

Today, EAPs are considered an integral component of comprehensive employee benefits packages, providing employees with confidential access to a variety of resources and services. As workplaces continue to evolve and focus on employee well-being, EAPs are adapting to meet the changing needs of diverse work environments.

Implementing an Effective EAP

To start offering an EAP, research and select a reputable provider that aligns with your organization’s values and culture. Consider factors such as the range of services offered, accessibility for employees, confidentiality policies, and track record of success. Once you’ve selected a provider, communicate the introduction of the EAP to your employees, highlighting the benefits and encouraging them to use this resource. Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the EAP through feedback from employees and utilization data, making adjustments as needed to ensure it continues to meet the needs of your workforce.

Two in five workers in Canada are unfamiliar with the purpose of an EAP and many don’t understand how to access or use them – so it’s important to effectively communicate and highlight this offering, especially if you’re looking to zoom in on winter wellness. Consider launching a winter wellness campaign that emphasizes the importance of mental health during colder months. Position the EAP as the central component of the campaign, highlighting its role in providing support to help employees with seasonal challenges.

Create customized communications materials across multiple channels, such as email newsletters, intranet announcements, and staff meetings, to effectively reach employees. Clearly communicate the benefits of the EAP, emphasizing its confidentiality, accessibility, and range of services. Showcase specific EAP offerings that are relevant to winter, such as counselling for SAD, stress management resources, and financial counselling.

Finding Solutions

EAPs can provide essential support to employees facing a range of challenges and promote well-being during these colder months. By proactively promoting and using EAPs, employers demonstrate their commitment to employee wellness and reap the benefits of a healthier, more productive workforce. When employees feel empowered to access the resources they need, businesses can improve morale, reduce absenteeism, and improve overall productivity – all while prioritizing the well-being of their most valuable asset: their employees. Contact us so we can work together to create strategies that work best for you and your team.

Suggested Reading

How winter blues impacts workplaces

2 in 5 workers in Canada don’t know what an EAP is

Additional Resources

Employee assistance programs: history and program description

CAMH: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)