Peer Support Programs

Helping your people help themselves

The main objective of a peer support program is to resolve employee and workplace problems before they escalate to crisis levels by providing an extra network of support in the workplace.

A peer support program is made up of a group of employees who have been trained and skilled to provide emotional support and assistance to staff. They make themselves available to listen and talk with colleagues who may be experiencing work and personal-related concerns. If needed, peer support workers can make a referral to professional counsellors, mediators or career consultants.

As part of your organisation’s human resource strategy, selected employees attend a tailored training program where they learn basic counselling and referral skills. Many of our clients report that potentially serious problems were prevented by the intervention of a peer support team member. Employees are more likely to talk with colleagues they know and trust about issues, particularly workplace concerns.

What are the benefits of a peer support program?

• Increase in employee morale and satisfaction
• Improve staff communications across the business
• Increase in the level of trust and commitment to the organisation
• Stronger and more positive teamwork and cross-department relations
• Increase in productivity and attendance at work
• Develop a supportive and positive culture throughout the organisation
• A fast, effective and low cost process to address common workplace issues
• Less critical incidents though early intervention and discussion of issues