COUNTY chiefs are offering help to those with or working for small businesses in Warwickshire, who may be struggling with stress and anxiety.
Warwickshire County Council is extending its internal Employee Assistance Programme to the employees and owners of micro and small businesses, with ten or less employees.
It says such small businesses may not have support services or HR departments equipped to help individuals battling with their emotions during the ongoing pandemic.
Examples include worries about personal health and of families, the impact of the restrictions, financial worries, feelings of isolation, and loss of freedom. Businessowners have to contend with these issues as well as the pressure of keeping their businesses going.
The programme provides access to practical and emotional support on a wide range of topics including work, career, relationship, family, money management, debt, health and wellbeing.
Warwickshire County Council leader Isobel Seccombe said: “Mental wellbeing is always an important area of concern, but we are aware that now more than ever, it’s an issue businesses are facing. We recognise this has been a particularly difficult time for micro and small businesses. While small businesses will be aware of how covid-19 has affected individuals, they won’t have the HR support found in larger organisations, and may struggle to provide the appropriate support around mental health and well-being to staff during this time of ongoing upheaval and stress. We hope the opportunity to access to the county council’s own Employee Assistance Programme will be a big help to employees and owners of micro and small businesses in our towns.”
Businessowners can register their interest in this free service with no obligation to access the programme. They then make employees aware of the support and how to access the helpline. The service can be accessed directly and confidentially without further manager involvement.
To register for the programme, eligible businesses should complete a simple form which can be accessed here.
