Delivering Employee Support Services in the Global Community

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1 Delivering Employee Support Services in the Global Community EAP Drivers and Influences Projected Utilisation EAP services are provided by approximately 6% to 10% of corporations in the. The utilisation of information-based services is very high. The utilisation of counselling services is lower than what is found within North America; however, it is still relatively well accepted. In providing EAP services, it is important to offer an information-based platform given its high utilisation. There is a need for further education regarding the support that is available to organisations and unions. Face-to-face, online, and telephonic counselling are all accepted delivery models. The cost of counselling ranges from 45 to 60 per 50-minute session. Influences The Employee Assistance Professionals Association (EAPA) meets to review and discuss the trends regarding EAPs in the. The local providers who are selected for face-to-face counselling represent a variety of practitioners who are experienced in psychotherapy and counselling with a broad range of approaches and accreditations. Local/Regional/National Laws That Impact Counselling and EAPs Every organisation in the has health and safety policies that must comply with European Union mandates. Fast Facts Population: 62,698,362 Capital City: London Political Structure: Constitutional Monarchy Currency: Pound Time Zone: GMT Fast Facts Mandatory supervisor referrals are required only when a disciplinary issue is being addressed because of Population: 192,272,890 threats to the safety of other employees. Employees Capital City: Brasilia are referred to The National Health Service for Political Structure: Federal Presidential long-term counselling needs. Constitutional Republic Attitudes Toward Currency: Counselling Brazilian Real People in the United Time Kingdom Zone: are BRT open to seeking counselling services. Attitudes Toward Alcohol and Substance Abuse In the, individuals can legally drink alcohol at the age of 18. There is little restriction on the operating hours of bars and restaurants. In the northern part of the, a larger percentage of the population abuse drugs and alcohol. Scotland has an overpopulation of bars and one of the highest suicide rates of young males in the country. Northern Ireland has a high rate of alcohol abuse, which may be attributed to an increase in the unemployment rate. Attitudes Toward Wellness Services Wellness coaching is not very common in the United Kingdom; however, the increase in wellness education and awareness has received a positive response. 1-8

2 Professional Clinical Qualifications The Employee Assistance Professionals Association (EAPA) has a chapter in the called EAPA UK, which is responsible for EAP accreditation. The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the British Psychological Society (BPS) act as the credentialing bodies for mental health professionals. Each organisation requires counsellors to complete a recognised course from an accredited college or institute. The BACP requires counsellors to participate in a three-year course, enter into private therapy, have 450 client contact hours, and have 150 supervised hours. Once all criteria have been completed, a counsellor may apply to the association, complete his or her case studies, and defend his or her thesis. In the, the following titles are restricted by law: registered psychologist, practitioner psychologist, clinical psychologist, counselling psychologist, educational psychologist, forensic psychologist, health psychologist, occupational psychologist, sports and exercise psychologist, and chartered psychologist. The Health Professions Council (HPC-UK) is the legal supervisory body for practitioner psychologists in the. The BACP and the BPS oversee accreditations. The title chartered psychologist means that the psychologist is a chartered member of the BPS, but it does not automatically signify that the professional is registered with the HPC-UK. It is illegal for someone who is not in the appropriate section of the HPC-UK register to provide clinical psychology services, counselling psychology services, educational psychology services, forensic psychology services, health psychology services, occupational psychology services, or sports and exercise psychology services. In order to qualify for entry to the HPC-UK and register as a clinical, counselling, or educational psychologist, one must possess a professional doctorate. If one wishes to register as a counselling or educational psychologist, he or she may possess the BPS s Key Professional Associations British Psychological Society Saint Andrews House 48 Princess Road East Leicester LE1 7DR Telephone: Fax: enquiries@bps.org.uk Website: British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy 15 Saint John s Business Park Lutterworth LE17 4HB Telephone: Fax: enquiries@bacp.co.uk Website: Chinese Mental Health Association 2nd Floor, Zenith House 155 Curtain Road London EC2A 3QY Telephone: Fax: info@cmha.org.uk Website: Council of Psychotherapy (UKCP) 2nd Floor, Edward House 2 Wakley Street London EC1V 7LT Telephone: Fax: info@ukcp.org.uk International Society for Affective Disorders Institute of Psychiatry PO72 Kings College London, Denmark Hill London SE5 84F Telephone: Fax: caroline.holebrook@iop.kcl.ac.uk Website: Mental Health Foundation 5th Floor, Merchants House, 30 George Square Glasgow G2 1EG Telephone: Fax: Scotland@mhf.org.uk Website: 2-8

3 Key Professional Associations (cont.) InterMinds 57 Dowanside Road Glasgow G12 9DL Telephone: Fax: Website: Depression Alliance Scotland 3 Grosvenor Gardens Edinburgh EH12 5JU Telephone: or info@dascot.org Support in Mind Scotland 6 Newington Business Centre Dalkeith Road Mews Edinburgh EH16 5GA Telephone: Fax: info@supportinmindscotland.org.uk Website: VOX (Voices of experience) Scotland c/o Mental Health Foundation 5th Floor, Merchants House, 30 George Square Glasgow G2 1EG Telephone: voxscotland@yahoo.co.uk Website: Bipolar Fellowship - Scotland Studio 1016 Mile End Mill, Seed Mill Road Paisley PA1 1T3 Telephone: info@bipolarscotland.co.uk Website: Scottish Association for Mental Health Cumbrae House 15 Carlton Court Scotland G5 9JP Telephone: enquire@samh.org.uk Mind Cymru 3rd Floor, Quebec House, Castlebridge 5-19 Cowbridge Road East Wales CF11 9AB Telephone: Fax: Website: professional qualification, which meets the standards of a professional doctorate. When standing alone, the titles psychologist and neuropsychologist are not currently protected by law; however, the BPS is working with the HPC-UK to ensure that the title of neuropsychologist is regulated as a specialist title for practitioner psychologists. There are no licensing requirements for mental health providers in the. There are also no state certifications; however, a professional may obtain special certification for abuse and trauma, or alcohol and drug addiction. The professional liability insurance for mental health professionals is set at 1 million. National Delivery Systems Health Care Each country in the has a National Health Service (NHS) that provides public health care to all permanent residents. The health care is free at the time of need and paid for by general taxation. Individuals pay taxes toward health care as soon as they begin working; the rate varies based on an individual s income. After a certain age individuals stop paying national insurance even if they continue working. Individuals must see a general practitioner in order to receive a referral to a hospital or a specialist should the need arise. Each country is responsible for its own public system; therefore, there are significant differences between the public health care offerings in each country. In England, the NHS provides the majority of health care. In Scotland, the NHS Scotland follows the health policies and priorities of the Scottish Government. In Wales, health care is overseen by the Welsh Assembly Government. In Northern Ireland, health care is administered by Health and Social Care. All citizens and legal immigrants who are registered with the state are eligible for public health care. Unemployed workers who are registered as unemployed are still entitled to medical and dental care. 3-8

4 Private health care companies are allowed to operate alongside the public system. In Scotland, Wales, and England, private insurance can be employer-sponsored or bought by an individual. In Northern Ireland, private insurance can range from full private medical coverage for an individual or a family to a cash-back scheme to help with dental, vision, and other health care expenses. Private insurance is designed to cover the costs of private medical treatment for acute conditions that arise after one s policy begins. Most individuals purchase private health insurance to ensure that care will be available quickly in the event that they become ill or injured. In addition, private insurance allows individuals to make a choice about the time and location of their treatment, as well as the specialist who provides the treatment. Private insurance may provide more options, but medical treatment generally must begin with a referral from one s general practitioner. Wait times to have an appointment with a general practitioner can be lengthy, especially for patients who prefer to see a particular provider. Behavioural/Mental Health Coverage and Care Counselling and psychotherapy are available through government-subsidised agencies; however, mental health care is covered by the public system only if an individual is referred by his or her general practitioner. One may encounter a long wait time based on available resources; the wait time varies based on the country. In the there is a variety of mental health resources and centres for those who have longterm mental health resources. Child Care and Parenting England Ofsted is the governing body for child care and public schools in England. All child care establishments have to be registered in the. If child care is being provided at a private residence, the residence must be registered, and all residents living in the home must undergo a background check. Nannies are not registered in England; however, nannies may join Ofsted as volunteers. Once a nanny has registered with Ofsted, an individual may pay for his or her services with a voucher that is available through some employers. Some employees may set up accounts known as salary sacrifice accounts to which they make payments on a regular basis and receive tax benefits for doing so. There are major voucher companies in England that establish these accounts. In England, working-class fathers are not likely to participate in the rearing of infant children because of the difficulty of obtaining time off. Scotland The Scottish Care Commission governs and regulates child care systems and providers. The Regulation of Care Act 2001 established a system of care regulation in Scotland. The Act s purpose is to provide greater protection for people in need of care services. The governing body registers and inspects services against a set of National Care Standards. The commission is required to produce inspection reports for each service once an inspection has taken place. Child rearing is primarily viewed as women s work, and it is sometimes aided by play groups. Wales The Care and Social Services Inspector Wales (CSSIW) carries out its functions of overseeing child care on behalf of Welsh Ministers. The Welsh Language Nursery Schools Movement, Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin Cymraeg, founded in 1971, has been very successful in creating a network of nursery schools particularly in regions where English is used more frequently. Nursery, primary, and secondary schools are under the administration of the education authority of the Welsh Office. Low-cost, quality public education is available throughout Wales for students of all ages. Northern Ireland The Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) is the regulatory body for the social care workforce in Northern Ireland. Its aim is to increase the protection of those using social care services, their dependents, and the public. Education is required for children from six to fifteen years of age. Elder Care Elderly people in the receive a number of public health services. For example, general practitioners offer annual physicals to patients who are age 75 and over. Care is also available from health visitors and district nurses. If an individual s health needs are so great that he or she needs National Health Service continuing care, the public system will cover the cost of care in a nursing home through one s nursing home 4-8

5 budget. If an elderly individual needs assistance with his or her activities of daily living, he or she may need some assistance around the home; however, the National Health Service does not cover such assistance. In England and Wales, elder care services are provided by social services. In Scotland, the social work department oversees care for elderly individuals. In Northern Ireland, services for the elderly population are provided by the Health and Social Services Trusts. Legal Assistance The government does not offer an abundance of free legal assistance. At times, community organisations may provide individuals with limited legal information and advice throughout the. EAPs in the provide legal information, but not legal advice. Members of a legal team within an EAP organisation must have completed the academic requirements for legal training, but they are not qualified lawyers. EAPs do not provide a recommendation for lawyers, but upon one s request, a list of solicitors or lawyers can be provided. Financial Assistance EAPs in the provide financial advice to individuals through money advisers and department advisers. These advisers serve clients who can t make their debt payments by explaining to them what actions their creditors can take legally in regards to collecting a debt. The clients must complete an income and expenditure statement listing their assets and debts in order to receive services. After reviewing a client s benefits, an adviser will prepare a statement for the creditor to inquire if an agreement of repayment can be made. The adviser will act as a liaison between a client and his or her creditors to ensure that an agreement has been fulfilled. Wellness Services Some general practitioner practices provide free wellness counselling services through the National Health Service. Information about wellness counselling that is provided by the National Health Service in the United Kingdom is located on the following websites: England: Wales: Scotland: Northern Ireland: EAPs in each country can also deliver a variety of wellness services from stress management to smoking cessation clinics. Cultural Characteristics Language The primary language is English; however, the United Kingdom is a melting pot of many different cultures and a variety of different languages are spoken. In England, the primary language is English, with Cornish being a recognised regional language. In Scotland, the primary languages are English and Scottish Gaelic. In Wales, the primary languages are Welsh and English, and it is common to find bilingual signs throughout the country. In Northern Ireland, the primary languages are Irish, English, and dialects of Ulster Scots. Ethnic Makeup The majority of people in England are English. The population of Scotland primarily consists of Scots, with a small percentage of English, Irish, and Welsh individuals. Wales is made up of English and Welsh individuals, with Northern Ireland is primarily comprised of people who are either English or Irish. Demographic Trends According to recent population projections, the United Kingdom will overtake Germany and France to become the biggest country in the European Union in 50 years time. The has a high birth rate in comparison with other countries throughout Europe. Immigration is also a factor in the s anticipated growth. Work Ethic and Patterns The work ethic in the varies depending on whether one chooses to work for the private sector or for publicly-funded organisations such as schools, hospitals, and local councils. The private sector demands a greater commitment and longer hours, as well as fewer days off for personal reasons and less holiday time, but it often promises higher wages than the public sector. The private sector is where most of the workforce is based, and it is a fairly competitive place to work. Lifestyle and Religion The Treaty of Union that led to the formation of the ensured that there would be a Protestant succession, as well as a link between church and state that still remains. Christianity is the largest religion, followed by Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, and then Judaism in terms of number of adherents. 5-8

6 In England and Scotland, Christianity is the largest practiced religion. Islam is the largest non-christian religion in Scotland, and there are also significant Jewish, Hindu, and Sikh communities, especially in Glasgow. The largest religion in Wales is Christianity, with the Presbyterian Church of Wales being the largest denomination. In Northern Ireland, a slim majority follow the Protestant faith, with the remainder of the population practicing Catholicism. Communication Styles England When greeting one another, men exchange a brief light handshake and typically ask, How do you do? Women who are greeting one another will generally shake hands during their first meeting. Women and men who are greeting one another also tend to shake hands during their first meeting, with the woman extending her hand first. In England, it is important to be polite in conversation. One should expect to hear please and thank you often. English people tend to be more indirect than overly direct, as many may find bluntness to be impolite in many situations. It is important to focus on one s tone of voice and facial expression, as each may offer a true indication of one s feelings. People in England tend to walk on the left-hand side and pass on the right-hand side. It is considered rude to not wait one s turn and pass someone else in a line. It is also considered to be inappropriate to speak loudly or shout in public. Scotland When greeting one another, men exchange a brief light handshake and typically ask, How do you do? If it is a more casual situation, men often greet one another with, You alright? or Hiya. Women who are greeting one another will generally shake hands during their first meeting. Women and men who are greeting one another also tend to shake hands during their first meeting, with the woman extending her hand first. Scots are hesitant to complain about things and most would rather grin and bear it than make a fuss. They tend to be more indirect than overly direct, as many may find bluntness to be impolite in many situations. It is important to focus on one s tone of voice and facial expression, as each may offer a true indication of one s feelings. It is also important to be polite in conversation. One should expect to hear please and thank you often. People in Scotland tend to walk on the left-hand side and pass on the right-hand side. It is considered rude to not wait one s turn and pass someone else in a line. It is also considered to be inappropriate to speak loudly or shout in public. One should never call a Scottish person English, as this can be offensive. Wales When greeting one another, men exchange a brief light handshake and typically ask, How do you do? Women who are greeting one another will generally shake hands during their first meeting. Good friends will often share a kiss on the cheek or a light hug. Women and men who are greeting one another also tend to shake hands during their first meeting, with the woman extending her hand first. Close friends may share a kiss on the cheek or a light hug. The Welsh tend to be more indirect than overly direct, as individuals may find bluntness to be impolite in many situations. It is important to focus on one s tone of voice and facial expression, as each may offer a true indication of one s feelings. It is also important to be polite in conversation. One should expect to hear please and thank you often. People in Wales tend to walk on the left-hand side and pass on the right-hand side. It is considered rude to not wait one s turn and pass someone else in a line. It is also considered to be inappropriate to speak loudly or shout in public. Northern Ireland When greeting one another, men exchange a brief firm handshake; a hug may be exchanged when greeting someone very close. Women who are greeting one another will generally shake hands during their first meeting. Kisses on the cheeks are common if the women know each other well. A hug is also acceptable if the women are very close. Women and men who are greeting one another also tend to shake hands during their first meeting. Close friends may share a kiss on the cheek. The Irish are known to be very direct. Honesty is appreciated and expected. They love to tell stories, and much of what they say is exaggerated. Humour plays a big role in communication. The Irish value teasing and joking during conversation. It is important to be humble 6-8

7 and modest, as arrogance is viewed negatively. One should avoid talking about homosexuality or abortion as many Irish are very religious and/or conservative when it comes to social values. Business and Economic Characteristics Wales Wales has struggled to develop or attract high value-added employment in sectors such as finance and research and development. Wales also lacks a large metropolitan centre and most of the country, except Southeast Wales, is sparsely populated. The lack of high value-added employment is reflected in the lower economic output per person relative to other regions of the. Economy The s economy is comprised of the economies of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The has a limited regulated free market economy that falls somewhere between the United States and continental Europe. Based on market exchange rates, the is today the sixth largest economy in the world and the third largest in Europe after Germany and France. England England is a leader in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors, as well as key technical industries, particularly aerospace, the arms industry, and the manufacturing side of the software industry. London is England s financial centre and home to the London Stock Exchange, which is the s main stock exchange and the largest in Europe. London is also the largest financial centre in Europe, and in 2009 it was determined to be the largest in the world. Scotland Scotland has a western-style open mixed economy which is closely linked with that of the rest of Europe and the majority of the world. Traditionally, the Scottish economy has been dominated by heavy industry underpinned by the shipbuilding in Glasgow, coal mining, and steel industries. Petroleum-related industries associated with the extraction of North Sea oil have also been important employers, especially in Northeast Scotland. Edinburgh is home to many large finance firms and is the financial services centre of Scotland and the sixth largest financial centre in Europe in terms of funds under management, behind London, Paris, Frankfurt, Zurich, and Amsterdam. Northern Ireland The Northern Ireland economy is the smallest of the four economies making up the. Northern Ireland has traditionally had an industrial economy, most notably in shipbuilding, rope manufacturing, and textiles; however, most heavy industry has since been replaced by services, primarily in the public sector. Tourism also plays a big role in the local economy. More recently the economy has benefited from major investment by many large multinational corporations into the high tech industry. These large corporations are attracted by government subsidies and the skilled workforce in Northern Ireland. Workers Rights Legislation The European Union law dictates that people work a maximum of a 37.5-hour work week; however, many people choose to work more than this. Companies can give employees a form to sign that allows them to opt out of the legislation. In the, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) oversees policy and operational matters related to occupational safety and health. Several years ago, it was determined that work-related stress was costing employers and society a significant amount of money. In response to the findings, the Health and Safety Commission (HSC), which is responsible for the oversight of health and safety matters in the United Kingdom, has set targets for the overall reduction in the burden of occupational health in the. Status and Influence of Work Councils and/or Unions Unions offer a healthy culture of employee rights, such as tribunals. It can be difficult to fire a person in the, as an employee can sue his or her employer for constructive dismissal. 7-8

8 Communication Internet capability is very good throughout the United Kingdom, as widespread broadband services are available. The has an excellent telephony system, with available toll-free numbers, SMS texting, and universal international freephones. Home phones can be costly, as one must pay a premium fee for landlines, and charges apply to each call. Confidentiality Issues The Data Protection Act 1998 protects confidentiality issues related to data. Confidentiality is also regulated in regards to counselling by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapists and the Employee Assistance Professionals Association. Support for International Assignees Embassies American School in London One Waverley Place London NW8 0NP Telephone: Website: Additional Resources for US or UK Citizens American Women s Club of London Website: The American Women s Club of London provides social, cultural, educational, and philanthropic activities for expatriates who live in London. Easy Expat Website: Easy Expat provides resources for locating housing and arranging utility services. The website also offers information on day-to-day activities in London, as well as public and private health services. Foreign & Commonwealth Office King Charles Street London SW1A 2AH Telephone: Website: Embassy of the United States London, UK 24 Grosvenor Square London W1A 2LQ Telephone: Website: Schools Employee Assistance and Work-Life Snapshot ACS International Schools Portsmouth Road Cobham, Surrey KT11 1BL Telephone: Website: Acceptance of counselling EAP awareness in business world LOW MODERATE HIGH Southbank International School Kensington Park Road Notting Hill, London W11 3BU Telephone: Website: EAP and work-life utilisation Population of English speakers Telephone availability Internet access 8-8 Copyright 2011 Workplace Options. All Rights Reserved.