Blue Start to 2015 for many Employees

Vhi Corporate Solutions Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) records a 40% increase in calls so far this year

2nd February, 2015 - It has been a very blue 2015 already for many employees according to figures released by Vhi Corporate Solutions today. The company's Employee Assistance Programmes have managed over 900 calls in January and this trend is set to continue for the coming weeks. Employee Assistance Programmes are provided by the Vhi Corporate Solutions team to over 500 companies countrywide.

Calls to Vhi Corporate Solution's Employee Assistance Programme's typically see almost a 60% increase in calls in January of each year with a 400% increase in calls regarding financial issues facing users and a 60% increase in the number of those seeking face-to-face counselling service. Nearly 70% of those accessing the service during January are women and the top issues arising are work-related issues, anxiety / depression and family and relationship problems.

The main work-related issues are linked to anxiety due to uncertainty/risk of redundancy, terms of employment queries/disputes and disciplinary issues. The service sees an increase in calls relating to depression brought on by work stress or career dissatisfaction as well as difficulties in relationships or marriages. Other issues include difficulties balancing work life with family care and issues regarding care of elderly parents. The majority of financial issues in January are in relation to budget planning.

Dr John McDermott, Clinical Director, Vhi Corporate Solutions stated "Our Employee Assistance Programmes offer a host of support for users accessing the service with face-to-face counselling accounting for the primary type of support in approximately 50% of all cases. Users undergoing financial or legal issues will speak with one of our specialist advisors and some clients will choose to avail of support on the phone with a telephone counsellor. In addition, parent and career coaching is available via telephone is very beneficial in supporting some of the family/ employment issues which arise."

He continued "Our EAPs provide a unique insight into the issues facing corporate Ireland and their employees. The trends we are seeing in terms of the services employees require speak for themselves, companies need to put in place support structures to address these issues to prevent burnout and promote positive workplaces. While this can seem incidental in times of huge economic pressure, this is crucial in terms of a company's productivity and has a definite impact on the bottom line for every organisation."

Vhi Corporate Solutions is a specialist team offering high-quality services on a range of employee health and well-being issues to corporate clients across a wide range of industries. Their newest initiative is providing EAP counselling onsite in organisations. This offers employees greater flexibility by giving them the option of seeing a counsellor either in the workplace or close to home. Further information on Vhi Corporate Solutions EAP and Occupational Health services can be accessed on www.vhi.ie.

ENDS

Vhi_Press

02-Feb-2015