Workplace-CounsellingCounselling in the Workplace

Workplace counselling can be defined as the provision of brief psychological therapy for employees of an organisation, which is paid for by the employer. The pressures to succeed, conflicts that might occur with one’s co-workers and personal problems such as bereavement and loss, relationship and family difficulties, substance abuse, and stresses can all affect someone’s mental health and wellbeing and distract them from work. In certain industries, this can also be a significant safety risk.

Mental health issues at work don’t just impact the person who is affected, but can also have a considerable impact on the workplace, families, and organisations.  Many people recognise that they need assistance and support but simply don’t know where to go or who to confide in. As a result, they feel overwhelmed, worn out and worried – affecting their work performance, health and general wellbeing until it results in illness, depression and a decrease in job satisfaction.

A company or organisation’s health is reliant on the well-being of the individuals it employs

Organisations have realised the importance of having a stress-free, motivated and skilled workforce. Therefore, they are offering the service of workplace counselling to its employees, making it a part of their culture. In short, giving all employees access to a free, confidential, workplace counselling service can potentially be viewed in the context of an employer’s wellness program and duty of care.

Finding Solutions

Angelica and Terence Atman have a specialist viewpoint and skill set and offer workplace counselling to support people and organisations across all sectors, locations and sizes. They help individuals overcome mental issues and problems that can affect their work, careers, relationships and wellbeing. They provide a sounding board for an employee, giving them a safe and confidential place to talk about issues that trouble them. It is not about giving advice, but about providing a non-judgmental, empathic and accessible means to allow an employee to find solutions to personal issues that may be affecting productivity and well-being.

As workplace counselling is relatively short term, Angelica and Terence Atman, use an eclectic therapeutic approach, including person-centred, solution focused and cognitive behavioural therapy, or one of several other disciplines to help individuals find a way forward. The choice of the approach used by the counsellor depends on the each person’s needs and circumstances.

Workplace counselling can also help employees who are absent from work, and there is evidence that counselling support can quicken the recuperation of an absent employee, saving the organisation money in the long run.

A Collaborative Approach

Angelica and Terence’s collaborative approach enable them to work with staff as well as employers and when appropriate with the Human Resource Department to increase workplace wellbeing while aiming to improve both personal and workplace productivity.

Benefits of Workplace Counselling

A large number of Australian organisations have already implemented workplace counselling, and they are reaping the benefits.

A recent WHAA (Workplace Health Association Australia) publication identified over 600 national and international studies published in the past 2 decades, which provided compelling evidence that workplace health programs provide a solid return on investment (ROI).

  • Some of the benefits to the organisation:
  • Reduced sickness-related absenteeism
  • Reduced presenteeism (health-related work impairment)
  • Increased attraction and retention of staff
  • Reduced workplace injury and workers compensation costs
  • Improved employee relations and staff morale
  • Improved corporate image

Workplace counselling is often viewed by employers as an insurance policy against the threat of compensation claims made by employees exposed to work-related stress.

Some of the benefits to the employees:

  • Higher self-esteem
  • Reduced workplace stress
  • Increased productivity
  • Improvement in moral and personal wellbeing
  • Better ability to identify and resolve problems
  • Reduce stress, anxiety and job dissatisfaction
  • Resolve workplace grievance issues

Thus, providing confidential and objective guidance through workplace counselling services can reap enormous benefits for both the individual and the organisation.

Getting started

Workplace counselling is usually conducted face-to-face, at the employee’s workplace or at the counsellor clinic. However, in some situations, a fully or partial online counselling option can provide more convenience and assist employees in more remote settings and those who frequently travel as part of their job.

If you would like more information or just want to explore your options, please call or e-mail Angelica and Terence Atman. (02) 4381 0333 or 0422 330575 or email admin@atmans.com.au

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