Presenteeism – being at work with a physical illness or emotional dis-ease – costs Australian business the equivalent of $25.7 billion of real GDP in lost productivity per annum – nearly four times the cost of absenteeism. (Medibank Private study, 2005).

While work may offer a reprieve from the challenges in our personal lives, those issues rarely drop away when we walk through the office door. Likewise, stress related to work can impact the quality of our home lives. Whatever the source, when there is illness, conflict, breakdown, or loss, our work is compromised by absence from, or a lack of presence at, work; ... sometimes both.

Being at work in body only, inevitably has a flow-on effect to others on the team; some of whom may try to help, while others are distracted by their colleague’s lack of focus.

Addressing presenteeism rather than turning a blind eye to it, not only arrests the negative impact on staff morale, but may help to prevent more serious problems from developing.

Of particular note for Australian employers are the statistics which show that 30% of male suicides occur within the 12 months following a separation.

For a staff member whose personal life is in disarray, the opportunity to go to work and do a good job is a vital aspect of retaining or rebuilding their confidence and self-esteem - a win-win for both employer and employee!

	Being flexible with working hours to allow them to take time out to seek help.
	Having a Staff Welfare Policy and Budget in place to respond in a timely way.
	Subsidising or sharing the cost of counselling or coaching.
	Educating staff about your policies and welcoming their input.

Ultimately, the benefits of assisting employees in this way far outweigh the costs of hiring new, or re-training existing, staff, and rewards your business with their increased productivity and loyalty.

A Participant’s Experience

‘Recently, I went through a very traumatic period in my life – as a result, I was left feeling like I was not sure who I was anymore and felt completely lost.  My world felt like it was literally falling apart and I didn’t know what to do. Shortly thereafter I attended the Employee Assistance Program.  I did not know what to expect.

Diane was amazing.  I gained my self-confidence back and learnt to love and accept myself again.  The program taught me how to communicate more effectively and gave me an insight on how to better understand others.  Many things that I learnt through the Employee Assistance Program help me through my day to day life, especially with my family and at work.

If it wasn’t for my employer offering this program to me, I honestly do not think I would have had the confidence to go out there and do something like this for myself - I was too busy and too lost to even know where to start.  I am so grateful to them for investing in this program for me because it has made me a better employee and a much happier person!

This program is not just for those that have issues to deal with; I believe it is a program which promotes personal development and helps you understand yourself and others in ways that will surprise you.’

DS
Gold Coast, QLD
READ MORE about Counselling and Coaching.

For further details about Employee Assistance and Training CONTACT Diane.