Mental health problems and British workers: a survey of mental health problems in employees who receive counselling from Employee Assistance Programmes

Abstract

M e n t a l h e a l t h p r o b l e m s a n d B r i t i s h w o r k e r s: a s u r v e y o f m e n t a l h e Summary This study assesses levels of psychological disturbance in employees who attend counselling schemes provided by their employer through Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs). Over two-thirds (33) of the organizations covered by a major United Kingdom EAP provider allowed their employees to be surveyed. A standardized and well-respected screening test aimed at detecting psychiatric disorders in the community (General Health Questionnaire) was given to employees when they visited counsellors.Steps were taken to ensure confidentiality and anonymity. One hundred and eleven of 466 (24 per cent) employees receiving counselling returned questionnaires and the results show 86.6 per cent of these experienced significantly high levels of psychiatric problems. Findings suggest that a significant proportion of employees who experience stress in the workplace and consequently attend their employer's EAP may have serious mental health symptoms, and that employers are providing a service for those in genuine psychological need. The study also raises the possibility that when some employees complain of 'stress' in the workplace, they may in fact be experiencing significant mental health problems, particularly anxiety and depression, requiring professional assistance.

Work-related stress, the blind men and the elephant

“…Indeed, research has shown that a significant number of employees who come for work-related 'stress counselling' under their employer's employee assistance programmes (EAPs) identify their problems as personal (71%) rather than workrelated (29%) and are experiencing significant mental health problems (Arthur, 2002). The need to prioritise services to people with severe and enduring mental health problems in the UK has no doubt been a factor in people turning increasingly to their employer's EAPs for help (Arthur, 2001a).…”

The complexities of undertaking counselling evaluation in the workplace

“…The review revealed that following the 1997 UK study by HighleyMarchington and Cooper there have been no major studies conducted to date on employee counselling. The most recent piece of research to date undertaken in the UK was by Arthur (2001). The author carried out a study that involved 33 organizations covered by a major UK EAP Provider.…”

Innovations in Stress and Health

“…Research evidence concerning the impact of employee counseling has been particularly positive in demonstrating that counseling reduces anxiety and depression, and improves self-esteem (Cooper and Sadri 1991;Arthur 2000Arthur , 2001. Organizations have been shown to benefit from reduced absence costs.…”

“…Organizations have been shown to benefit from reduced absence costs. However, counseling is unlikely to have any positive impact on improvement in work attitudes such as job satisfaction and engagement (Arthur 2001;McLeod 2001) and may even have an adverse impact (Cooper and Sadri 1991).…”