Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for Small Businesses in Australia | Affordable Staff Wellbeing Solutions
Last Updated 9/12/25 By Vanessa Cortez
EAP Programs @ Mindway EAP
EAP Programs @ Mindway EAP
The economy of Australia is solely dependent on small enterprises, which employ millions of people across a wide range of industries. Despite this, a significant number of small firms struggle to provide the same degree of assistance with regard to mental health and wellness as large organizations do. One of the most significant areas in which Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) excel is in this particular area. These initiatives provide small businesses with access to private therapy, resources for well-being, and crisis help at a cost that is affordable. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) was formerly considered a "nice-to-have," but now it is considered a "must-have" tool that helps safeguard both employees and organizations. This is due to the fact that more individuals are becoming aware of mental health, and businesses are currently required to adhere to the guidelines.
We will discuss the ways in which employee assistance programs (EAP) may be utilized by small businesses, the actual costs that are incurred by each employee, and the ways in which investments in mental health support can help with employee retention, happiness, and productivity.
What You’ll Learn in This Article
We will discuss the ways in which employee assistance programs (EAP) may be utilized by small businesses, the actual costs that are incurred by each employee, and the ways in which investments in mental health support can help with employee retention, happiness, and productivity.
What You’ll Learn in This Article
- How EAP services support small business teams and owners
- The real cost of implementing EAP per employee in Australia
- The benefits of early mental health intervention in the workplace
- Compliance and HR obligations EAP can help meet
- How to choose the right EAP provider for your business size
- Examples of EAP impact on productivity and retention
- What small businesses can expect from flexible EAP models
Understanding EAP Services for Small Businesses
For small firms, each and every member of the team is essential, and the loss of even a single member may have a significant impact. Employee assistance programs (EAPs) provide workers with confidential support in order to assist them in coping with stress, concern, or personal issues before they become a barrier to their job or attendance. By offering their employees with expert counseling and tools for their well-being, owners of small businesses may demonstrate that they care about their employees without having to incur the costs of hiring a human resources or wellness department. By preventing individuals from being overworked and exhausted, this preventative approach reduces the amount of costly employee turnover.
The Real Cost of EAP Per Employee
The idea that EAP programs are extremely expensive is a misconception that is widely held. EAPs are, in point of fact, fairly affordable, particularly when one considers the amount that they cost per individual. The price of an employee assistance program (EAP) can be anywhere from $40 to $60 per year per employee, depending on the employer and the services that are provided. This little investment has the potential to save a firm a significant amount of money in lost productivity or expenditures associated with the recruitment of new employees. A great number of organizations also provide packages that may be modified to make them suitable for the requirements of small enterprises. By doing so, customers are able to begin with the most fundamental service and add more as required.
Employee:
I’ve been feeling really burnt out lately, but I don’t want to let the team down.
You:
I appreciate you sharing that. We’ve partnered with an EAP service where you can talk to a counsellor confidentially. It’s completely private and meant to help you manage whatever’s going on.
EAP and Workplace Compliance
Enhanced employee assistance programs (EAPs) can assist small businesses in meeting their Fair Work Australia and WorkSafe requirements, in addition to assisting individuals with their health. By stating that it is the obligation of the employer to ensure that the workplace is safe and healthy for the mental health of workers, these guidelines emphasize that responsibility. Small businesses may demonstrate that they are taking action to preserve mental health, manage psychological risks, and assist employees in recovering from stress or accidents that occur on the job by establishing an employee assistance program (EAP). This has the potential to reduce the likelihood of claims being filed at work and to increase trust among workers as a whole.
Building a Culture of Care in Small Teams
It is essential to have a strong culture when working in a confined location. If an employee feels that they are noticed, supported, and valued by their employer, they are considerably more likely to remain with the firm. Employee assistance programs (EAPs) encourage open conversations about mental health, which helps to reduce stigmas and improve understanding within the team as a whole. Moreover, owners and managers have the opportunity to get leadership coaching through EAPs. Because of this, they are able to learn how to recognize the early warning signs of burnout and how to provide assistance to their staff when they require it. A culture of caring is encouraged as a result of this, as opposed to a culture of catastrophe response instead.
“Take care of your employees and they’ll take care of your business. It’s as simple as that.”
- Richard Branson
- Richard Branson
Flexible EAP Models for Small Businesses
It is necessary for small firms to be more adaptable than large corporations in order to better assist their employees in terms of their health and happiness. In today's world, employee assistance programs (EAP) firms provide services that may be utilized anytime the user desires. These services include pay-per-use counseling, digital wellness platforms, and mental health workshops. Due to the availability of these options, even very small teams are able to receive quality treatment without being required to sign costly contracts. As a result of this, businesses are able to modify their offerings to accommodate the preferences and financial constraints of their workforce.
How EAPs Improve Retention and Productivity
An productive worker is one who is involved in their work, and mental health is a significant component of that sort of participation. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) has been proven to have a positive impact on employee happiness, as well as decreased employee turnover and fewer absences. Employees are more likely to handle challenges in a positive manner when they are aware that they have the ability to receive individual assistance. Over time, this results in increased success and less stress for human resources. For owners of small businesses, having healthy teams and a workforce that is more stable is beneficial.
The proprietor of a small digital firm in Melbourne made the decision to test out an employee assistance program (EAP) when employees began quitting the company due to feelings of exhaustion. Within a short period of time, employees began attending the counseling meetings, and there was a significant reduction in the number of conflicts that occurred amongst workers. One member of the team mentioned that having a secure environment in which they could discuss both personal and professional issues helped them cope with both of them more effectively. Once again, the production of the team increased, and the owner saw that fewer individuals were absent from work, and that the attitude of the employees had improved.
Key Takeaways
- EAPs Are Affordable for Small BusinessesEven with limited budgets, small business owners can implement high-impact wellbeing programs for under $60 per employee annually.
- EAPs Reduce Risk and Support ComplianceThey demonstrate an employer’s duty of care and help meet Fair Work and WorkSafe requirements related to psychological safety.
- Flexible Models Fit Every Business SizeFrom pay-per-use to digital access, EAPs can scale up or down based on company needs, ensuring accessibility for all teams.
- Investing in Wellbeing Builds Stronger TeamsEAPs improve morale, retention, and performance, creating a healthier, more sustainable workplace for small businesses across Australia.
Looking for Help with an EAP?
We Customise Every Program to Fit Your Organisation
We Customise Every Program to Fit Your Organisation
PAYG EAP
Flexible Support - Billed Per Session
Flexible Support - Billed Per Session
Ideal for organisations that want to start small and scale as needed. Only pay when your team uses the service.
Included in PAYG:
✔️ Pay per session model
✔️ Tailored Mindfulness Program
✔️ Professional support within 12–36 hours
✔️ 24/7/365 booking number
✔️ Real-time analytics portal
Complete EAP
All-Inclusive Support
All-Inclusive Support
Best for teams seeking consistent, proactive support with built-in sessions and added value for managers and leaders.
Includes everything in PAYG, plus:
✔️ Set sessions included per employee, per year.
✔️ Dedicated program specialist
✔️ Priority critical incident support
✔️ Monthly live leadership/manager training (mental health, leadership, communication & more)
Rated 4.8/5 stars
Get Tailored EAP Quote
Support your team with personalised and fast support. Fill out the form below to get a personalised EAP for your organisation.
We never share your info with anyone
Supporting 10,000+ Employees, HR Teams & Owners
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic EAP
"I've been using Mindway EAP for some time now, and I must say it's been an invaluable tool for my personal well-being and have heard positive feedback from the team at large"
25% of staff use services
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
One Of The Best
"Used 2 EAPs before, staff never really used either of them. Came across Mindway, and the way the app works fitted right into our staff's dynamic and culture."
36% of staff use services
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Google Review
"Ryder has been great and responsive to work with while setting up the EAP from a management perspective. I have had a great response from staff who have shared with me that they have used both the app and counselling services, noting that it has helped them a lot"