Chrysalis^® News

An increasing amount of workers are seeking counselling via employee assistance programs (EAPs), it has been claimed.

Right Management, a provider of workplace solutions, have revealed that over 30,000 people used their EAP service last year and that this figure has been increasing for some time.

Kevin Friery, who is clinical director of the company, suggested that in-house counselling services are becoming increasingly necessary in the workplace.

He told The Grapevine Magazine: "The workplace is experiencing one of its greatest ever periods of pressure. The economic changes of the last two or three years have created instability, uncertainty and insecurity. 

"At the same time, employers need to achieve high level of performance, productivity and engagement and with a need to deliver more with less."

Many businesses who decide to employ a counsellor insist that candidates have passed accredited counselling courses in order to prove their suitability for the role.

A survey by Right Management has suggested that many in-house counsellors are likely to have to deal with issues surrounding depression on a regular basis.

According to hrreport.com, it indicated that 49 per cent of employees believe their job to be unrewarding and energy-sapping. Just one fifth of respondents claimed that their job is rewarding and gratifying whilst just 30 per cent said they enjoy their work.