PPC Online Enhancing your Employee Assistance Program The Gateway to Innovative EAP Service Delivery Username - Carinbundi Password - Carinbundieap12 www.ppconline.info/au Australia - 1300 361 008 Page1
PPC Online What is PPC Online? Life isn t about living without problems, its about solving problems Tom Krause - Born 1934, Finnish Opera Singer PPC Online is your online wellbeing resource. It provides interactive and user friendly information and guidance on work and personal issues. It contains an extensive library of informative articles developed by PPC Worldwide s team of professional counsellors. Our enhanced and strategic technological platform has enabled PPC Worldwide to develop focused innovations in the mode of delivery of our EAP services. Constantly developing new and exciting online services, PPC Worldwide is moving forward to deliver you more than just an EAP. Understanding our customer base and developing easy accessible services that form part of our everyday employee wellbeing has been the focus for PPC Worldwide. We are here to provide you support in all aspects of your life from work, personal, physical and emotional wellbeing. You can access PPC Online from work or home and it is also accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. What s in the Online Guide? In addition to the fact sheets on work and personal issues, there are a number of self help tools available on PPC Online. This guide will explain each service and how you can access it. Some services will utilise your session limit which is explained in the necessary sections. Read further about: Email@ssist Exec@ssist Health Risk Assessment (HRA) - Health and wellbeing survey Health Steps Online - self help modules on anxiety, depression, stress, communication, relationships, conflict at work, coaching Ask the Expert - @ssist services in Legal, Mortgage and Financial issues Ask the Psychologist How do you access PPC Online? PPC Worldwide will provide each organisation their own username and password. Simply log onto www.ppconline. info/au and enter these details. Also, please check your own employer s intranet site which will often have a link directly to PPC Online. If not, let us know and we can arrange that with your employer. Page2
Factsheets & Programs Unlimited Access What are factsheets and programs? The factsheets and programs form part of an extensive library that are an excellent resource for employees and family members who may not otherwise access the EAP due to time constraints or other barriers to counselling or just want good information on everyday issues. The factsheets provide advice and information on how to plan and prepare for the challenges of everyday life. There are also links to external websites, offering additional information on your particular area of interest and 5 step programs designed to help you improve aspects of your personal life, work life and health and wellbeing. Categories available under the factsheets and programs are: Personal Life Work Life Manager Area Health and Wellbeing What topics are covered under the main categories? Under each category you will find numerous factsheets that cover everyday topics. These resources effectively present a highly credible service designed to enhance personal awareness and stimulate personal development and workplace effectiveness. The purpose of our factsheets and programs is to empower and motivate individuals to take responsibility for their wellbeing by building knowledge and awareness. The individual may then seek further support and development through counselling if necessary. Some of the topic covered under the main areas are: Personal Life - Successful Relationships, Ending Relationships, Marriage, Step Families, Childcare and Education Work Life - Return to Work, Retirement, Workplace Conflict, Work Life Balance, Working as an Expat Manager Area - Performance Appraisal, Team Building, Diversity and Bullying, Conflict, Managing Change Health and Wellbeing - Smoking and Drinking, Stress, Healthy Heart, Nutrition, Physical Health, Ill health No. This does not impact your session limit. These factsheets and programs are complimentary. Page3
Email@ssist Unlimited Access What is Email@ssist? Email@ssist is a brief and focussed 24 hour accessible online response wellbeing service. It is effectively an online question and answer facility that will give access to relevant EAP related information and advice. This is a service where you can access information and support without the requirement to attend a session. It has the convenience of communication at a time that suits you and an opportunity for individual attention from an experienced counsellor whilst maintaining anonymity. Replies are guaranteed within a 48 hour period during the business week. This is NOT a crisis response service. If an immediate response is required, you should call 1300 361 008 and speak to a service representative immediately. What questions can I ask in Email@ssist? Can you tell me if you have an office in Bendigo? Is there anywhere to park my car in the CBD and close to your office? I am having some relationship problems with my partner. Are there any good self help books you can recommend for both of us to read? Can I please make an appointment for an EAP session? No. This does not impact your session limit. Email@ssist is complimentary. Page4
Exec@ssist Unlimited Access What is Exec@ssist? Exec@ssist provides managers, executives and HR the opportunity to seek specialised advice and support through a dedicated and confidential online facility. Like Email@ ssist, Exec@ssist is an online question and answer facility that gives you the option to email your queries regarding managerial issues. This facility is managed by our senior management team who will either respond directly or field the response to one of our senior consultants. Replies are guaranteed within a 48 hour period during the business week. This is NOT a crisis response service. If an immediate response is required, you should call 1300 361 008 and speak to a service representative immediately. Issues that senior managers and HR personnel generally seek assistance for The type of issues that senior managers and HR personnel generally seek assistance for are: Strategies for addressing difficult employee behavioural issues. This may include but is not limited to anger management, depression and other mental health concerns, workplace conflict, absenteeism, suspected alcohol and/or drug misuse etc Support in identifying and implementing coping strategies during times of increased pressure and stress Responding to employee grief & trauma Performance issues for which there appears to be no competency based reason Change management issues Information on issues such as depression, anxiety & stress What questions can I ask in Exec@ssist? I am concerned about an employee s behaviour. They recently broke up with their partner and they seem distant and upset which has started to affect their work. How do I approach the subject of the EAP without upsetting them and ensuring they don t think I m butting into their personal life? I have to tell members of my staff team that they will be made redundant next week but not sure what to say as they are good employees with families to support No. Exec@ssist is accounted for and will not impact your EAP session limit. Page5
Online Surveys Unlimited Access What are online surveys? There is increasing recognition of the impact that health and wellbeing issues can have on business performance and productivity. Our online surveys provide a powerful tool to enable organisations to build a detailed wellbeing profile that can help them to: Estimate the overall impact health and wellbeing has on the organisation and its performance Understand the current profile of employee health & wellbeing status to enable intervention planning This is a simple, efficient and effective online survey for you to gauge your general state of wellbeing. The assessment examines general lifestyle risk factors and upon completion you will get a report based on the answers given consistent with current Australian Health Standards. What are the benefits of the online survey? The online survey is: Flexible - can be done anytime Integrated diverts people to action - factsheets, work/lifestyle programs links Holistic covers personal life, work life, health and life style Free - access via PPC Online Informative online corporate data, real time personal reports Human linked to the EAP access to counsellors Adaptable branding, question choices, report options What surveys are available? Currently, the Health Risk Assessment (HRA) is the only survey on PPC Online. However, PPC Worldwide are looking to introduce more online surveys in the near future. What are the benefits for me? You receive a personalised report immediately It is anonymous and confidential It provides a snapshot of your current health and wellbeing enabling you to identify areas in your life that require urgent attention and those areas that are tracking very well. Page6
Online Surveys Con t Unlimited Access What does the personalised report tell me? Every survey answered can produce a visual summary of the number of areas were there is an urgent need to address, an important need or a need to maintain current behaviours. In addition to this a detailed personal report provides information on each risk area and why it is important to address it. What type of questions are asked in the HRA? How often do you consume over 300mg of caffeine per day? How often do you drink more than the recommended levels of alcohol consumption? How regularly do you take precautions against exposure to the sun when in hot weather? Have you ever had any musculoskeletal problems caused or made worse by your work? No. This does not impact your session limit. The HRA is complimentary. Page7
Health Steps Online What is Health Steps Online? Health Steps is an internet-based system that helps you understand your concerns about issues like depression or anxiety, access effective online treatment strategies and monitor your own progress to recovery without having to attend face to face counselling sessions. Health Steps is available from any computer with internet access using a personalised password to initiate log on. The Health Steps program provides you with the knowledge, skills and strategies that are effective in managing the problems you are experiencing. The program includes: Education about the important factors involved in the development and maintenance of your difficulties Skills and strategies to address and overcome your concerns and improve your quality of life Ways to integrate skills into everyday life, to foster well-being and bring about positive behavioural change What topic areas are available on Health Steps? There are seven online services to offer: Banishing the Blues: Working through tough times (Depression) The Banishing the Blues program is for anyone who wants the knowledge and practical strategies to start feeling better and optimistic about themselves, their world and their future. Combating Stress: Easing the pressure and regaining balance The Combating Stress program is for anyone wishing to see improvements in their quality of life at home and at work, now, and in the long term. Conquering Anxiety The Conquering Anxiety program is for anyone who experiences troubling anxiety from time to time, and for people who wish they could turn off their worried thoughts. It is for those who like to feel calm, in control and confident in their various life roles. Effective Communication: Essential skills for work & life The information and tools in the Effective Communication program are essential for anyone who is interested in communicating effectively, efficiently, and in a way that promotes respect from others and more positive outcomes. Couples: A roadmap for happy resilient relationships The Couples program provides strategies to feel more comfortable and happy in a relationship, which can result in an improvement in mood, communication, the behaviour of children and the ability of each partner to enjoy each other. Managing Conflict at Work The Managing Conflict at Work program is useful for employees at every level, because the skills provided facilitate positive outcomes in both work-related and personal conflict situations. Corporate Coaching Corporate Coaching is useful for managers and employees at any organisational level. The skills provided facilitate positive outcomes in both work settings and in the participant s personal life. Page8
Health Steps Online Con t What happens once I am registered? Once registered, you will be provided with a web link along with login ID and password which are linked to the specific module chosen i.e., Conquering Anxiety. From here, you simply follow the steps through to complete each module (4 modules per topic). If you wish, a counsellor, can be appointed to monitor your progress and is available for you to ask any questions. What type of questions are asked in Health Steps? The questions in these modules will require you to think more about how you are feeling and maybe how you react in certain situations. It will also assess how you are progressing as you complete each module. For example: Use the list of indicators below to help you identify your early warning signs of anxiety. Place a tick in this column if you relate to experiencing the issue during this week. Constant or excessive worrying or fear Accelerated heart rate or pounding heart Use of unhelpful thoughts Low self-esteem Problems concentrating Low motivation Forgetfulness Fatigue Use the table below to identify situations where you experienced some of the indicators in the above question. In the first column describe the situation In the second column list the indicators you experienced in that situation In the third column rate your level of anxiety, where 0 represents no anxiety and 10 represents extreme anxiety Situation Indicators experienced Anxiety intensity (0-10) Example Wanting to express my ideas at the last staff meeting Heart pounding, sweating, hands trembling, shortness of breath, light headed, hot flushes, muscle tension and avoided speaking at the staff meeting 8 Health Steps forms part of your EAP session limit. Each topic area consists of 4 modules, each being 1 to 1.5 hours long. PPC Worldwide bills for these services at the equivalent of 2 standard EAP sessions. That is, for approximately 6 hours of interaction and support we only charge your employer for 2 hours of treatment and support. Page9
Ask The Expert @ssist Services What is the Ask the Expert? PPC Worldwide s Ask the Expert question and answer facility provides access to experts to assist with life s predictable and unpredictable challenges. It is a dedicated service aimed at providing prompt professional advice via email to people who have questions and concerns in relation to issues where they require expert advice. These are signpost services and are not intended to replace the need for an in depth consultation with a professional in the relevant field if required. These services will provide quick answers to your queries and help you decide what next you may need to do to deal with the issue. Topics Covered Researching location Unseen costs Conveyancing Loan structuring Affordability Understanding the process Topics Covered Taxation Issues Property Investments Superannuation Financial Consolidation Structures companies, trusts Topics Covered Neighbourhood disputes Family issues / Property law Criminality issues Litigation action Consumer rights/law Motor vehicle accidents Mortgage@ssist - Example Questions What other expense do I have when buying a house be sides my mortgage? Can I change my mortgage provider? Finance@ssist - Example Questions I don t think I can make my loan repayments... Can I claim the following in my tax return.? Legal@ssist - Example Questions My partner wants me to sign a prenuptial agreement. If we separate, what am I entitled to? My landlord wants us to move out before the contract is up. Can he do that? The @ssist programs form part of your EAP session limit. Each topic discussion (whether this consists of 1 email or perhaps 2-3 emails going back and forth per discussion), will be billed to your employer at the equivalent of 0.5 standard EAP sessions. Page10
Ask the Psychologist What is the Ask the Expert? Ask the Psychologist is a confidential email based support service which gives you access to qualified and experienced professional counselling in the privacy of your own home or wherever you have access to the internet. This service is designed for people who prefer to receive counselling support via email which can make it accessible and convenient. Replies are guaranteed within 48 hours during the working week. Many people are turning to the internet for professional counselling and find it to be an ideal way to discuss life s work related challenges, personal concerns and emotional needs. Some people opt for ongoing counselling, while others for a single session with a counsellor for guidance on a specific matter. Ask the Psychologist is a completely safe and secure platform. Our online counselling takes place in a private and strictly confidential environment providing a higher level of anonymity. You can feel confident that your anonymity and privacy is completely secure. All email queries are dealt with by registered psychologists and social workers. In what circumstances might Ask the Psychologist NOT be appropriate? If you are in a crisis situation - Please call 1300 361 008 or Emergency Services e.g. Police, Ambulance, Fire Brigade on 000 If your personal safety is an issue - This could include a domestic violence situation or suicidal feelings. We advise you to call 1300 361 008 or Emergency Services e.g. Police, Ambulance, Fire Brigade on 000 If you need specialist medical treatment for a physical condition What questions can I ask in Ask the Psychologist? I am a 30 year old woman returning to work after having had my first child and I am really concerned about how I and my baby will cope with this. I feel really guilty about leaving her but I need to earn an income and I do enjoy my career. I would really like some tips in relation to coping with my return to work. My husband is supportive but I feel I have to do everything. This is beginning to really put pressure on my relationship with my husband and we seem to be more irritable with each other. I really need some help with this and was hoping you could assist. I have been married for 5 years now and although I think I still love my spouse I would like to work on improving our communication and the quality of our relationship. This is my second marriage and we have a child of our own and 3 children between us from our previous marriages. I do not want to go through another divorce and am concerned that we are drifting apart. This keeps me up at night and I know I am being difficult to live with. How can you help me? Ask the Psychologist forms part of your EAP session limit. Each email discussion (whether this consists of 1 email or perhaps 2-3 emails going back and forth per discussion), will be billed to your employer at a minimum of 0.5 standard EAP sessions (dependent on the level of support required). Page11
PPC Online Summary PPC Worldwide are committed to providing you with a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. PPC Online is another way that we can support you through all facets of life. This sophisticated online service contains up to date and relevant information, expert advice and self help tools available at your fingertips. Factsheets and programs - An extensive e-library that provides advice and information on how to plan and prepare for the challenges of everyday life. Email@ssist - An online question and answer facility for basic information and advice. This is not a counselling sup port service. For professional counselling advice and support, call 1300 361 008 and arrange an appointment or use our Ask the Psychologist service. Exec@ssist - An online question and answer facility for managers, executives and HR personnel regarding managerial issues. Online surveys - Currently consisting of the Health Risk Assessment (HRA), the survey examines general health, wellbeing and risk. It also identifies areas in your life that require urgent attention and those that are tracking well. Health Steps Online - An internet based program that allows you to understand and manage your concerns around mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Ask the Expert - @ssist Services - An online question and answer facility for people who have concerns in relation to legal, financial and mortgage issues. This service is answered by a qualified professional in the relevant field. How ever, it is not intended to replace the need for an in-depth consultation with a professional if required. Ask the Psychologist - An online email facility for counselling support. If the issue is not urgent and you are unable to speak to one of our counsellors, you can email your issue to us. How do I log onto PPC Online? PPC Worldwide will provide each organisation their own username and password. Simply log onto www.ppconline. info/au and enter these details. Also, please check your own employer s intranet site which will often have a link directly to PPC Online. If not, let us know and we can arrange that with your employer. Contact us For further questions, please call 1300 361 008 and ask to speak to a PPC Worldwide Service Representative. Page12