Council tries out staff assistance to boost productivity

Hertfordshire County Council has introduced an employee assistance programme (EAP) for its 10,300 staff.

The council’s HR team hope that by taking a progressive approach to staff health it will reduce stress and absence levels and boost productivity.

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The EAP, supplied by PPC Worldwide, includes free access to advice on personal and work-related issues through a confidential 24-hour helpline. Face-to-face counselling and critical incidence support are also included.

Sophie Baggot, senior HR officer, said the council wanted to introduce an EAP to help staff to identify issues early. “We see this EAP as a means of fulfilling our duty of care to employees and helping to reduce staff stress levels and absenteeism, thus increasing employee effectiveness and productivity,” she said.