Employee Assistance Programme

Available any time, any day, by phone, e-mail or online, the service provides information and resources on any of the challenges that life may bring.

About this benefit

From time to time all of us encounter significant life events when some extra help and guidance can make all the difference. These can range from buying a home, to having children, dealing with bereavement or coping with relationship difficulties. It may simply be that you would like to improve some aspect of your life or achieve a better work-life balance. Most of us know when this additional support would be welcome but knowing where to find it can be difficult. This is where the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) can help.

The confidential service is provided by an independent specialist, Workplace Options. Workplace Options offer information and support from highly trained and qualified professionals who are experts in fields such as emotional wellbeing, family matters, relationships, debt management, workplace issues, consumer rights and much more. Whatever the issue or situation, you’ll receive sympathetic, practical and professional support and, because the service is completely confidential, no-one will know you’ve used it.

The service can also offer support for managers on any subject which is impacting on you, an employee or your team.

How to use the service

All employees of Nuffield Health are eligible to use this confidential service with Workplace Options. It’s completely free of charge and available 24/7 by calling the team on: 0800 243 458.

If you prefer, you can access the online service at www.eapdirect.co.uk
Company code: Nuffield Health
Password: employee

You’ll have access to factsheets, seminars and self-help exercises on a wealth of subject areas, you can also send a form to request a call back from a counsellor.

If you need any further information about the benefit please contact the Reward Team at psc@nuffieldhealth.com or your local Occupational Health nurse.

Links and Documents

EAP website: www.eapdirect.co.uk

EAP Brochure

EAP Employee Guide

FAQs

• What type of support is available?

  There is a range of support that the service can provide, depending on your unique needs:

  • Practical information and support
  • Professional resources and fact sheets
  • Referrals to services in your local area
  • Short-term counselling; and
  • Online support through our EAP website.

  For further information please refer to the Employee Guide above.

• Will it cost me anything?

  The cost of this service is met by Nuffield Health and offered to you free of charge. You won’t have to pay for any information or support that you receive directly from the EAP.

• Are there limits to the confidentiality of the service?

  When you contact the EAP, the only information required from you is the name of your employer. Your employer will receive utilisation statistics on the number of people using the EAP, but no personal, identifying information will be disclosed. No one will know that you have contacted the service unless you choose to disclose this information. Workplace Options is bound by professional standards regarding confidentiality and the disclosure of details of individuals who have contacted the EAP.

• How do I access the service?

  You can access the EAP confidentially on the below details:
  EAP FREEPHONE: 0800 243 458
  OUTSIDE THE UK: +44 (0)20 8987 6550
  SMS (FOR CALL BACK): +44 (0)7909 341229
  MINICOM: +44 (0)20 8987 6574
  EMAIL: assistance@workplaceoptions.com
  WEBSITE: www.eapdirect.co.uk

• What’s on the EAP website?

  Workplace Options’ comprehensive website has an extensive range of content including 5,000+ articles, searchable databases and interactive tools. It also features LiveCONNECT – instant messaging with an information specialist/counsellor, Pocketsmith – a calendar-based tool to help you manage your personal finances, and our Care Centre – a virtual space for those with caring responsibilities to share information.

• When can I access this service?

  You can contact the service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

• Will I contact a ‘real’ person?

  Yes, when you contact the EAP you will always get through to a live EAP consultant who can help you immediately.

• Who are the EAP consultants?

  Your EAP is staffed by a team of highly trained and qualified professionals who are experts in fields such as well-being, family matters, relationships, debt management, workplace issues, consumer rights, counselling and much more. You can be confident that the information you receive is accurate, up to date and relevant to your particular circumstances.

• What happens once I've contacted the EAP?

  When you contact the service, you will be asked some simple questions to help clarify the support you need. After this, you may be connected to one of Workplace Options’ work-life specialists who will provide you with practical information and support. Alternatively, or in addition, you may be referred to one of the counselling team who will assess the best form of counselling support to suit your needs.

• Does the service provide advice?

  The service does not offer advice, which is based on opinion, but can provide you with all the information you need to be able to make informed decisions to help you with your current situation.

• Is there any limit to the number of times I can access the service?

  There is no limit to the number of times you may access the service. If specialist ongoing support or information is required, Workplace Options’ consultants will provide information and suggestions as to where this may be obtained.
  
  Please note, however, that if you are receiving face-to-face counselling, the number of sessions you can receive relating to the same issue is limited to six.

• What information will be recorded about me?

  Every time you contact this service a confidential record will be kept - similar to the way your GP maintains your medical records. These records are not disclosed unless you expressly wish it and give your written consent. You can be assured that anything discussed between you and your EAP consultant will remain confidential.

• Isn’t this service only for those with serious concerns?

  This service is valuable to everyone; no issue or query is too small or large. The service is there not only to provide support through life’s more difficult times, but also as a planning tool for the future.

• If I raise a work-related query such as a salary problem, transfer, or promotion, what action will be taken?

  Workplace Options’ consultants will help establish to what extent they can be of assistance. If your query is best dealt with by Nuffield Health, consultants may suggest that you approach either your Line Manager or HR Manager.

• If I were to ask the service to intervene on my behalf with my organisation, would they do it?

  No, the service is not there for this purpose. Workplace Options’ consultants will help you clarify your thoughts and explore the options available, but will not intervene or act on your behalf. Consultants will try to direct you to the appropriate channels within Nuffield Health. On medical issues, if you ask Workplace Options to intervene on your behalf this will only be done with your written consent, and the approach would be via your GP/ primary carer.

• What happens if I need treatment or advice outside the scope of the service?

  Workplace Options’ consultants will do all they can to help you find further support. This can involve your GP if you wish.

• If I’m not sure whether the service can help me, what should I do?

  Call the service - it’s the best way to find out. If the consultants can’t help, they will always do their best to point you in the direction of other resources available to you.

• Would Workplace Options get involved in work related disciplinary actions?

  No. However, the service can provide the necessary emotional support. Talking a situation through can often help you see your options more clearly and resolve anxieties.

• What role do line managers play in the service?

  Your manager should be able to answer questions of a general nature about the service and will advise you to take advantage of it if they think you would benefit. Managers are encouraged to see the service as an important asset helping employees deal with issues and answering questions that lie beyond the scope of the manager’s role.

• If managers are concerned about a member of staff despite the support the service is providing, can they call Workplace Options to discuss the staff member’s problems?

  No. Workplace Options will not discuss individual cases with managers. However, if a manager is concerned about a staff member, they can, with the employee’s consent, make a formal referral by completing a referral form and encourage the individual to make a call to the service themselves.
  
  The service can also work with managers on their own personal development, enabling them to handle the situation effectively.

• My question isn’t covered in these FAQs. Who can I speak to?

  Please contact the Reward Team at psc@nuffieldhealth.com if you have further questions about your EAP.