As an employer, there are multiple steps you can take and programmes you can implement to support your employees at work. If you are looking for a great way to complement your EAP, support for managers or other specialist employee wellbeing services, why not consider implementing a workplace Peer Support Programme?
Employee Peer Support Programmes have been growing in popularity over the years, as more and more businesses are taking larger steps to support their employees and promote employee wellbeing. But what exactly are the benefits of Peer Support?
Staff may feel more comfortable
Often, staff that are facing challenges with their physical or mental health; personal or professional life; or have experienced trauma, may find it easier to talk to an understanding peer, rather than a mental health professional, doctor or line manager. CiC’s well-trained, peer support services team, have had similar experiences to your colleagues and are ready and able to offer help and support from lived experience.
Someone who can relate
Struggling with your mental health can be lonely and isolating. For your employees, it doesn’t have to be, if you choose to implement a Peer Support Programme.
A professional, peer support services team, who have had similar experiences to your colleagues, can offer help and support from lived experience. Not only will your employees have access to advice and support from someone who has experienced what they are going through, but it will be a comfort to them that they are not alone, and that other people can truly understand and empathise.
A universal support
Peer support in the workplace isn’t exclusively for employees suffering from ill mental health, trauma or work-related stress. A successful and well-implemented peer-support programme should also support staff with stressful or upsetting circumstances, or everyday stressors in their life.
Build a resilient workforce
It can be hard for your employees to face a day at work when they feel that they have the weight of the world on your shoulders, however, with a Peer Support Programme, you can build a resilient team of workers who understand and support each other – reducing absenteeism and increasing a sense of self-worth across your workforce.
The benefits of a Peer Support Programme are well documented and have become firmly embedded in the emergency services, NGOs, media organisations and other high risk organisations. Though even the most comprehensive and considered peer-support programme should not replace or resemble your organisation’s professional or HR support strategy, a Peer Support Programme can help companies across various different sectors in encouraging and enabling staff to support each other.
If you’d like to find out more about how a Peer Support Programme or Peer Support Training can benefit your business, Contact CiC today.