Employee Support
Esk Consulting provides a range of brief therapeutic and counselling interventions to support employees during times of stress or change. Our team is made up of experienced, accredited counsellors and psychotherapists who offer a number of integrated brief therapy/counselling approaches to allow an employee to become self managing as effectively as possible for sustained balance.
Presently we support more than 10 local businesses and organisations in Cumbria. Usually, employees are seen away from their work place at our relaxing office suite in Carlisle. This provides a safe place where personal issues can be explored confidentially. The Carlisle venue is easily accessible, discreet and has free parking.
We offer organisations and businesses two different methods of accessing our services - a monthly retainer contract and ‘pay as you use’
Monthly retainer contract
Our experience over the last six years clearly identifies this contracted service as the most effective method of supporting staff and enabling them to remain at work while working through any personal issues or problems. By contracting our services, employers are able to offer their staff the ability so self-refer to us and to be seen promptly. The contract between the employer and Esk Consulting defines an agreed overall budget and/or a maximum number of sessions per staff member - usually between 4 to 6 sessions. We have found through our work with a number of varying sized organisations that the usage level has been at most 3% of the employee population.
Further, if employees can self-refer early when they feel the need for some independent support, then the number of sessions required is much fewer than referrals through a 'gate keeper'. Earlier intervention may prevent ‘sick’ leave so the employer keeps the staff member at work and therefore avoids the extra costs incurred in long term sickness, for example, replacement costs.
The contracted retainer model involves the employer paying an agreed monthly retainer which gives them access to high priority appointments, significantly reduced (typically 30% less) consultation fees and also covers administration including budget management and annual reports. The advantages of the contracted retainer model are that:
- Staff Support appointments are given high priority and we aim to see clients within 7 days depending on the client's shift pattern;
- Consultation appointment costs are offered at a reduced rate;
- Employers get annual, anonymous statistical feedback on the frequency and duration of attendees along with a summary of any recurrent themes discussed by attending staff which may be useful to your organisation. However the staff members' names are kept confidential to us. This is essential for the client to feel safe in the therapeutic relationship;
- We can monitor and cap the overall set budget so that a given figure is not exceeded without further approval;
- We invest time getting to know the organisation so our client/team support work is relevant and can be implemented speedily when necessary e.g. debriefing and supporting individuals and teams after an event; team building; bereavement support;
- Employers are eligible for a reduction in training/mentoring/coaching/team development costs as a regular user of Esk Consulting services;
'Pay as You Use'
Employers can choose to ‘pay as you use’ at a higher per consultation cost for an agreed number of sessions. Some employers choose to use our services in this way as they have fewer employees and/or little requirement to access our other services with a reduced cost e.g. coaching, supervision and training. Some larger organisations who provide a national phone support service for their employees often use our centre therapists to access 'face to face' services for staff who may require a local, more personal approach to help with issues.
This approach provides a professional service for immediate needs but without the advantages of us getting to know your organisation, providing organisational feedback on identified trends and access to reduced training/coaching rates.
Enquiries
Personnel in Human Resources or Occupational Health can contact us at any time to enquire about our services without obligation or to refer someone needing support. We actively encourage people to come and visit our centre and check out what we can offer.
Other Services
Other services and training opportunities are available to optimise your organisation's staff retention, motivation and work/life balance opportunities. Please examine the rest of the web site and feel free to contact us with any requests or enquiries.
To discuss your organisation's needs please call Marion on 01228 409092 or email us at: Esk Consulting