Anxiety No. 1 Issue amongst Irish Workers - Vhi Employee Assistance Programmes Managed 6,000 cases in 2015

Wednesday, June 15, 2016 – Anxiety remains the number one issue for Irish workers seeking assistance via the Vhi Employee Assistance Programmes according to a presentation given at the CIPD Ireland Conference today in Croke Park. 

The Vhi Employee Assistance Programmes managed 6,000 cases last year, an increase of 10% on 2014, and the top five issues presenting to the service were anxiety, family stresses, work-related issues, depression and life-event stresses.  Work-stress and difficulties with line management were amongst the top employment-related issues raised via the service. 

Speaking at the conference, Dr Bernadette Carr, Medical Director, Vhi, highlighted “These issues inevitably impact on worker well being as well as performance and productivity.  The reality is that one in four of us will suffer from mental health problems at some stage in our lives and, when this happens, in the workplace or elsewhere, it is crucial to be able to access the necessary supports.”

She continued by highlighting that “a mentally and physically fit workforce brings substantial benefits for both the employer and employees.  Companies need to invest in the appropriate structures to address the issues particular to their workforce and promote a healthy and positive workplace.”

Vhi Corporate Solutions is one of Ireland’s  leading providers of Employment Assistant Programmes  (EAP’s) and well-being services in Ireland, designed to help  employees across all industries  to deal with their problems before it affects their job as well as providing management teams with the skills to understand how to support their workforce.

ENDS