“When I was referred to Beyond EAP I was overwhelmed by recent events in my life and struggling to cope. I now understand that I can only support others when my own basic needs are met.”
These wonderful words, from an employee we supported at Beyond EAP, seem to sum up why we do what we do. To hear them at the beginning of 2024 felt particularly momentous, as we prepared to celebrate our 10-year anniversary.
Our first newsletter of the year invited people to tell us what content they’d like to see from Beyond EAP over the coming months. Some expressed curiosity about what therapy was really like, while many others asked about the best way to deal with the aftermath of bereavement at work.
As you’ll see, we addressed these topics – and many more besides – as 2024 got underway.
In February, we opened the doors to our therapy room.
“What really goes on in a Beyond EAP therapy session?” is a question we’ve heard more than once over the years! Contrary to what some people believe, therapy isn’t about quickly deleting the past. Instead, our sessions help create healthy neural pathways, through new associations and default reactions to stress or trauma.
You can find out more here.
10 Questions for 10 Years of Beyond EAP: Sandie Dennis takes the hot seat!
We ask so many questions in the course of our therapy work – so in February, our founder Sandie had the bright idea to let someone else do the asking.
That someone was Becky Birch, an employee we supported after she sadly lost her Dad. To add to the stress and upheaval, both Becky and her husband had also received cancer diagnoses.
“Sandie put me back together again, and I am eternally grateful for her support and her invaluable knowledge.” (Becky)
Becky chose ten questions for Sandie herself, and you can read the full Q&A here.
Would you know how to support your entire team through a tragedy?
Sadly, we are frequently contacted by HR professionals following a tragedy at work: a colleague has died suddenly, or a terminal illness has been diagnosed and nobody knows what to do next.
One of our most popular LinkedIn posts of 2024 discussed the importance of whole-team support – even for those who seem ‘fine’ on the surface. Quickly and seamlessly, we help provide that very support, so you won’t have to worry about saying the ‘wrong’ thing during an intensely traumatic time.
You can download our free resources – covering everything from trauma support to emotional resilience – here.
Remember when people talked openly about “loony bins” and “nutcases”?
We certainly do… but thankfully, attitudes and language surrounding mental health has vastly improved. Inspired by her decade-long career as the founder of Beyond EAP, Sandie wrote this insightful piece about how the words we use shift over time.
Debunking the ‘Blue Monday’ myth
As the clocks went forward and the year sprang into spring, we were minded to discuss the deeply painful subject of suicide. That’s because, surprisingly, UK suicide rates reach their highest in April and May.
Drawing on her experiences both as a therapist and someone who once needed help, Sandie wrote about the importance of fostering a year-round workplace culture of resilience and support.
Menopause: a hot (flush) topic
Summer turned our attention to menopause support, as recently-released figures stated that a whopping 69% of UK women believe they have faced menopause-related discrimination at work.
In response, the Equality and Human Rights Commission published supportive guidance for employers. We can provide additional training and support if needed, please contact us for more information.
And Just Like That… Beyond EAP turns 10!
“This time 10 years ago, I couldn’t imagine that my grain of an idea – to support employees through challenging life events – would grow into a trusted company that partners with global organisations to do exactly that.”
Borrowing Carrie Bradshaw’s iconic catchphrase from Sex and the City, Sandie reflected on 10 unbelievable years of change, support, and growth.
Beware: your employee may not be telling you everything
Autumn highlighted the important issue of disclosure, as several of our maternity coaching employees had had worrying scan results – and were even admitted to hospital – without telling their employers.
We can and do switch our approach from coaching to support as needed. So if you suspect that something is amiss, please don’t hesitate to get in touch for a confidential chat.
“Sandie was extremely supportive, kind, and pragmatic in her advice and approach. Her support was very beneficial to me and I would recommend her to anyone due to go on maternity leave.”
As Christmas approaches, grief and bereavement can take centre-stage
While the festive season is a joy for many, it can also evoke a sense of dread in people who are struggling with grief.
Our November article offers advice both to those who are grieving, and those supporting a loved one – so nobody has to worry about how they ‘should’ be feeling, or what to do and say.
As 2025 rolls into view, we wish you a happy transition from old to new!
Look out for regular updates from our team at Beyond EAP – including exciting news about an upcoming book and training course on handling grief and bereavement at work.
Thank you for your support this year, and please don’t ever forget that if you or your employees are finding things difficult, help is at hand. Our resources are designed to provide compassionate support, and our team is here whenever you need us.