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What is an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and How It Works in Australia
Last Updated 5/8/25 By Vanessa Cortez
EAP Programs @ Mindway EAP
This article explains exactly what an Employee Assistance Program is, how it works in Australian workplaces, and the value it brings to both staff and business leaders. We’ll explore the key services typically included, common misconceptions, and how to find an EAP provider that meets your organisation’s unique needs.

What You’ll Learn in This Article
  • The definition and purpose of an EAP.
  • How EAP services operate in Australian workplaces.
  • Common services included in an EAP package.
  • The benefits for both employers and employees.
  • How to choose the right EAP provider in Australia.

Typical EAP Services in Australia include:

  • Short-term counselling sessions (via phone, online, or in-person)
  • Support for managers and HR staff dealing with sensitive situations
  • Critical incident response and crisis counselling
  • Wellbeing training, workshops, and educational resources

Why EAPs Are Popular in Australia:

With increased awareness of mental health, Australian companies see EAPs as a way to reduce absenteeism, improve staff retention, and create healthier work environments. It’s not just about crisis support, many employees use EAP services to get ahead of challenges before they become serious.

Employee:
How do we ensure staff feel safe using the EAP?
You:
We promote confidentiality in every communication and make access simple — employees can reach us without going through HR first.

EAP Counselling

  • Funded by the employer, free for employees.
  • Typically short-term (e.g., 3–6 sessions).
  • Focused on resolving immediate challenges.
  • Easy to access, often available 24/7 via phone or online.
“An effective EAP pays for itself many times over, the savings in productivity alone make it worthwhile.” – Safe Work Australia

How EAP Delivers ROI:

  • Reduced Sick Leave – Fewer days lost due to mental health issues.
  • Lower Turnover – Retaining staff avoids costly recruitment.
  • Improved Productivity – Focused, engaged employees perform better.
  • Better Risk Management – Proactive support reduces workplace incidents.
Key Takeaways
  • EAP Saves Money Through Reduced Absenteeism
    Less time off means lower operational disruption.
  • Staff Retention Increases ROI
    Avoids expensive turnover costs.
  • Productivity Gains Add Value
    Healthy employees work more effectively.
  • Data Can Prove the Impact
    Usage reports help justify the investment.
Looking for Help with an EAP?
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PAYG EAP
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

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Complete EAP
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)

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"We’re extremely satisfied with the services and counselling provided. It’s great to see our staff benefiting from it." 28% of staff use services
Priya, HR Director

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