Over the last few years, human resources have been valued as an integral part of any business.
With institutions now heavily dependent on the contribution of their human resources in terms of meeting goals and targets, it is essential that employers value their employees and keep them motivated for increased commitment and competence.
As organisations expand and increase the size of their workforce, employee problems both personal and job-related tend to multiply and can affect motivation and productivity. Balancing work and family life has become a great challenge for almost everyone.
Employees in the organisation may face a variety of problems in their daily lives. Usually, most of these problems can be worked out but sometimes they may become too much for individuals to handle on their own. Such unsolved issues of personal happiness, family relations, affect on the performance at work and even physical health.
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is an option which can help employees with their problems by providing quick access to professional help. Over the years, EAP has proved its worth to organisations by assisting in the identification and resolution of personal or work-related issues that may affect productivity and overall job satisfaction, as well as the employees personal well-being.
So the program should be designed in such a way that allows employees to seek help on their own. In some cases, supervisors may advise employees to seek help or conduct orientation sessions about the benefits of EAP but they should never impose the program.
It should be cleared to everyone that participation in EAP has no effect on an employees future career advancement or employment. Services of Employee Assistance Program include:
Short-term counselling can assist employees in evaluating the nature of their problems and to help them resolve the problem, with a view to improving work performance.
Educating managers and supervisors train employees in the identification and evaluation to the development of a communication pathway for reporting.
For maintaining work/life balance: A counsellor helps employees by providing advice and tips on day-to-day activities which can have a positive impact on family/work life.
A structured procedure to handle employees with problems, serving as a motivator to develop an interest in their employees, and we can have impact on employee loyalty and stability.
In conclusion, when the mental and emotional well-being of the employee is promoted, there is a general increase in productivity and quality of work. This benefits both the individual in his or her job satisfaction as well as the employer.
MUHAMMAD UMAR KHAN
UCP, Lahore
