Often all that’s needed is to take the First Step
Many employers put an Employee Assistance Programme in place to offer their staff access to counselling and other services. This is welcome of course, but not every situation requires a full intervention.
What about those people who would like to get some professional advice but don’t think they need, or don’t have time for, a full counselling service?
Seed has recently launched a new service to meet this need. The service is called First Step.
A phone-based approach…
First Step is a phone-based advisory service that offers employees access to advice and support covering a whole range of personal and work-related issues.
“Some people simply need a bit more information and some advice from a qualified professional, others may want to discuss their situation and understand their options and decisions they could take to help reach a resolution,” explains Doris Cuthell, Seed’s Chief Executive.
“First Step provides all of this in a way that is flexible, accessible and convenient. In many ways it’s a first step before considering other services…for some people it’s also an easier step.”
The service is designed to cover a whole range of personal and work-related issues, such as depression, stress, relationships, discrimination, bullying and finances.
Making it simple to ask for help…
“Often a workplace culture may create an environment where people feel they just have to find a way to get through difficult times. Add to that the very real demands of work and personal life that so many of us face, and suddenly we can feel like we simply don’t have time to ask for help, even if we wanted to.
“That’s where First Step comes in. It’s a step before counselling or other services and it’s available to anyone who just wants to talk about an issue and take advantage of some qualified advice.
“Most of the time, even in counselling, people find an enormous benefit comes simply from the fact that they’ve talked with someone about an issue that’s been on their mind. That’s what First Step is…an easy way to take that first step of talking with someone and then working out where to go from there,” Doris explains.
“Sometimes that may lead to further support services such as counselling, other times the simple chat is all that’s needed for employees to return to work in an easier, more focused frame of mind,” Doris adds.
The changing needs of our changing workplaces…
Workplaces are changing and providers of support services need to continue to adapt their approach to meet these changing needs.
First Step is a perfect complement to Seed’s wide range of support services. It can make a difference in any workplace and is extremely cost effective.
If you’re looking to support your staff with a cost effective, easy access service but not sure exactly where to start, First Step may be the ideal first step for your workplace. Contact us here if you’d like to learn more.
