AccessEAP in the Media
Published in MyBusiness 8th June 2020
Businesses have an important role to play in helping Australians face the mental health impact of COVID-19. Many will face heightened anxiety, social isolation and stress as a result of the unprecedented crisis.
"Some men who suffer with mental health problems feel societal stigma which is often what prevents them from opening up." Marcela Slepica, Director Clinical Services at AccessEAP.
Men are often stereotyped in pop culture into unrealistic images of masculinity that discourage them from getting help for their mental health, according to Marcela Slepica, Clinical Services Director, AccessEAP.
“This can be very detrimental and workplaces should help debunk these myths by talking about mental health and acknowledging that it is normal to have feelings of sadness or anxiety especially during these times of uncertainty,” added Slepica.
Published in The Music Network 20th May 2020
Support Act has opened its Wellbeing Helpline beyond the music and theatre industries, to include artists and arts workers across Australia who facing tough times.
Supper Act CEO, Clive Miller, said he is thrilled the music industry charity can extend access to the helpline to the wider arts community during the global health crisis.
“COVID-19 is clearly having a huge impact on the mental health and wellbeing of people across the entire arts sector,” he said, as a result of financial hardship and job losses.
The Wellbeing Helpline is delivered in partnership with AccessEAP, a leading not-for-profit Employee Assistance Program provider with close to 30 years’ experience in wellbeing.
Published in Human Resources Director 7th May 2020
Marcela Slepica, Clinical Services Director, AccessEAP, said in the current climate, it’s important to manage the demands of COVID-19, such as social isolation, caring for our families and home-schooling children while juggling work.
“It’s vital to remember that we are not born resilient. We can develop coping strategies, including practised traits and learned behaviours that will help us remain positive and deal with new challenges,” she said.
Workplaces play a part in maintaining a semblance of normality, by providing employees with structure, some social connection and purpose.
Published in Yahoo Lifestyle 2nd April 2020
With many people all around the country now working from home due to the outbreak of COVID-19, Marcela Slepica AccessEAP Director Clinical Services, believes there’s definitely an increased risk of workplace exhaustion.
“For example, working parents who have young children at home, have to to juggle teaching, supervising and keeping children busy while also trying to work and meet deadlines. In addition to this, there are fears of not wanting to risk losing their job, which means they may be working late at night and doing overtime,” Marcela said.
“The pressures and demands can be significant. Those working alone who are isolated may struggle with loneliness, motivation, and feel disconnected from their colleagues. This may impact their feelings of anxiety, may affect sleep, and could also cause them to work longer hours as they fear losing their jobs.”
Published in mybusiness 1st April 2020
Communicate often, according to Marcela Slepica, AccessEAP Director, Clinical Services.
It’s important for employers to check in with their team members. Regular check-ins help people to feel connected, and managers should try to provide structure for employees. The situation is constantly changing and evolving, so reassuring people we are in this together is vital.
Published in wellnessdaily 21st February 2020
AccessEAP clinical services director Marcela Slepica said that in order to support those parents and contribute to better mental health, businesses must take the time to help and assist their employees and offer flexibility whenever they can.
Published in Human Resources Director 20th February 2020
The impact of natural disasters, such as the bushfires across Australia, will have significant long-term effects, according to Marcela Slepica, Clinical Director of AccessEAP.
The workplace can provide a sense of community, and communities that support each other through difficult times is key.
Published in INTHEBLACK 1st February 2020
The goals you set need to be realistic and in line with your organisation while keeping in mind team morale and employee motivation.
You can't afford to take a set-and-forget approach. Unforeseeable changes that may occur can impact the relevance of your goals, or your ability to achieve them. Explains Marcela Slepica, Director, Clinical Services.
Published in Human Resources Director 17th January 2020
AccessEAP, Clinical Director, Marcela Slepica said returning to work after the holiday period brings a dose of reality. Someone who has spent more than they planned can feel out of control and anxious that they haven’t managed their funds well.
“By creating a safe and confidential environment where employees will feel more comfortable talking about their issues, they may be more open to seeking financial coaching support.”
Published in MyBusiness 9th January 2020
In light of the release of the draft report, CEO of AccessEAP Sally Kirkright highlights the important role that managers play in the support of their employees, stating that businesses “must take a stance against mental health”.
“While diseases and physical conditions tend to affect older generations, mental ill health inhibits our working lives, limiting the ability to secure and retain employment,” Ms Kirkright said.
Published in Human Resources Director 18th December 2019
The festive season can be a joyous time, full of gift giving and parties with friends and family.
However, for many people who rely on work for social connection, the season can be far from merry.
Marcela Slepica, Clinical Director, AccessEAP, said that while loneliness isn’t a mental health problem, it can contribute to mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, which can be a significant risk factor to those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Published in Human Resources Director 6th December 2019.
Sally Kirkright, CEO AccessEAP, said workplaces must take a stance against mental ill-health.
“Businesses need to be mindful of the impact they have on employees’ mental wellbeing through the job itself, workplace culture and organisational support including recognition, stigma and the physical environment,” added Kirkright.
Published in INTHEBLACK 1st December 2019.
Marcela Slepica, director of clinical services at AccessEAP, says burnout is now occurring in a broader range of sectors. “There has always been burnout in certain industries, such as the caring professions or first responders – police or emergency medics – but I now see it moving into other industries, including professional services.”
Slepica says workload, constant change and workers feeling misunderstood by senior managers are common complaints.
Published in Wellness Daily 15th November 2019.
AccessEAP clinical director Marcela Slepica said employers and work play a significant role in supporting women dealing with this issue.
“Domestic violence has very real impacts on employees and the workplace. For the victim, health and economic costs can increase and mental health can deteriorate. For organisations, this can lead to lower productivity, efficiency, staff retention rates and motivation, as well as higher absenteeism,” she said.
Published in Human Resources Director NZ 8th November 2019.
A sense of purpose can significantly improve psychological wellbeing, said Marcela Slepica, Clinical Director, AccessEAP.
Poor mental health and a lack of purpose in work can negatively impact employees and could make them feel worse.
Natural disasters: How can HR help? Published in Human Resources Director 28th September, 2019.
Natural disasters such as the recent Queensland and Northern NSW bushfires impact entire communities, including organisations, their employees and their families.
Marcela Slepica Clinical Director at AccessEAP says a tragic disaster such as a bushfire can have a damaging effect on people, and it is common to experience a range of intense emotions following a traumatic event like a natural disaster.
Published in Lifestyle 9th August, 2019.
“We’ve become an ‘always-on’ society and while it may seem like a win for businesses, what they gain in hours is lost in efficiency,” says Marcela Slepica, Clinical Director at AccessEAP.
“Keeping our phones and laptops within arm’s reach at all times to work at any given time has a significant impact on our mental and physical health. In this fast-paced environment, something has to give, and for many it’s sleep. We are in a dangerous cycle of not getting all of the work done because we’re sleep deprived, and not sleeping because we’re not getting all of the work done,” Marcela tells.
Published in Safety Solutions 3rd September, 2019.
Ahead of R U OK? Day on 12 September, we at AccessEAP are advising workplaces to focus on mental health issues, to normalise and have meaningful conversations to try to identify, help and avoid potential incidences of suicide. And while the day marks the starting point of communication within the workplace, it’s imperative to consider that a long-term commitment to suicide prevention is vital and should be instilled within every workplace.
Published in Human Resources Director 22nd August, 2019.
Over the course of an adult’s life, they will spend up to 4,821 days at work.
This creates an opportunity for managers and HR leaders to start a dialogue with their staff, according to Marcela Slepica, Clinical Director at AccessEAP.
Employees may be struggling to cope and employers can play a role in creating an environment of acceptance and to normalise asking for help. “Managers can ensure they are providing helpful information and the support structures which employees may need.”
AccessEAP acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the First Peoples of the lands we live and work on throughout Australia. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters, culture and community as we pay our respects to the Elders past, present and future. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples who connect with this website.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are advised that this website may contain images, voices and names of people who have since passed away.
AccessEAP acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the First Peoples of the lands we live and work on throughout Australia. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters, culture and community as we pay our respects to the Elders past, present and future. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples who connect with this website.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are advised that this website may contain images, voices and names of people who have since passed away.
