Why Do Employee Benefits Include Personal Counselling but Not Relationship Counseling?

By Peter Bouchard
Sep 06, 2024
HR speaking to employee.

Maintaining strong relationships — both at work and home — is crucial for overall mental well-being and productivity. However, many companies overlook the significant impact that relationship dynamics have on employee performance, retention, and even burnout. Tools like Inetta AI offer a solution, helping employees navigate these challenges in a way that supports both their mental health and their productivity.

Relationships play a critical role in shaping an employee’s work life. Research has consistently shown that when family dynamics are strained or work-life balance is poor, employees suffer from reduced focus and increased stress. For example, employees who experience work-family conflicts are much more likely to report lower work engagement, which directly impacts productivity. In fact, companies that support a healthy work-family balance see reduced staff turnover and less absenteeism, while also benefiting from increased employee motivation and satisfaction.

Moreover, studies indicate that nearly 30% of employees have considered leaving their jobs because of poor work-life balance, particularly when they feel unsupported in managing personal and family responsibilities.

This kind of disconnection not only contributes to burnout but also hampers long-term employee retention.

Family dynamics are another crucial factor that employers must consider. According to research, employees with strained family responsibilities, such as caring for children or sick relatives, are at a significantly higher risk of burnout. These stressors can affect their confidence at work, contribute to feelings of being overwhelmed, and diminish their trust in the organisation.

Work-family balance issues are often more pronounced for women, as studies show that women tend to have stronger links between their family roles and work-related stress. Without the right support systems, this can lead to disengagement at work and even career stagnation.

Given these challenges, it’s clear that companies must invest in tools that help employees navigate their relationships — whether they’re at home or in the workplace. Inetta AI is a great example of such a tool. Inetta AI offers personalised guidance, helping individuals and couples address communication issues and work through conflicts, making it easier to maintain healthy relationships. By promoting emotional well-being, tools like Inetta AI can help prevent the kinds of relationship stress that lead to burnout, absenteeism, and low productivity.

Inetta’s flexibility makes it particularly appealing for busy employees who may not have the time to schedule in-person counselling sessions. It can be accessed from anywhere, providing immediate support in moments of need. This makes it an ideal solution for employers looking to offer benefits that genuinely support work-life balance and mental health.

Employers that prioritize relationship counseling and support tools like Inetta in their benefits packages are more likely to see increases in employee productivity and retention. When employees feel supported both in and outside of the workplace, they are more engaged, creative, and motivated.

Research from McKinsey also highlights that companies who offer support for work-life balance see a decrease in burnout rates and a higher level of commitment from their employees. For organisations, this translates into higher productivity, lower turnover, and ultimately, a more positive and productive work environment.

Including tools like Inetta AI in employee benefits packages shows a commitment to the holistic well-being of employees, helping them thrive both professionally and personally. And when employees are thriving, so is the company.

More Articles To Enjoy

The Staggering $359 Billion Price Tag of Workplace Conflict (and How to Slash It)

[Workplace Conflict] At some point, every company will face the inevitable: conflict. Whether it’s between colleagues, within teams, or between management and staff, workplace conflict is a constant. The cost of these disputes can be staggering—not just in terms of financial loss, but also in employee morale, productivity, and turnover. It’s surprising, then, that most organizations only turn to mediation after conflict has escalated.  Here’s the unexpected thesis: having a mediator present and accessible full-time could save companies millions in conflict-related costs while fostering a healthier, more productive work environment. The Current State of Workplace Mediation Workplace mediation is typically seen as a last resort, used only when conflicts have escalated to a point where they affect productivity, morale, or risk legal action. Yet, research shows that this reactive approach often comes too late to prevent significant damage. Recent studies highlight the sheer financial impact of unresolved workplace conflict.  “According to a report by Pollack Peacebuilding, unresolved conflict costs UK companies an estimated £28.5 billion annually, or over £1,000 per employee. In the U.S., companies face similar financial burdens, with unresolved conflict costing an estimated $359 billion annually due to time spent managing disputes and lost productivity. ” This isn’t just about lawsuits and formal grievances; conflict seeps into daily operations, with 51% of HR professionals spending between one to five hours per week managing disagreements. The ripple effects are profound. 18% of employees leave their organizations because of unresolved conflicts, and 25% witness absenteeism or sickness due to workplace disputes.  These figures highlight the pressing need for companies to shift from a reactive to a proactive approach in managing workplace disputes. The True Cost of Workplace Conflict The financial toll of workplace conflict extends far beyond direct mediation costs. For example, turnover is one of the most significant expenses, with the cost of replacing employees ranging from 30-50% of an entry-level employee’s salary to 400% for high-level or specialized roles. Conflict also contributes to presenteeism, where employees remain at work but are disengaged due to unresolved disputes, costing companies up to $200 billion annually in lost productivity.  The psychological toll on employees is equally concerning. Nearly 56% of employees who experience conflict report stress, anxiety, or depression . When left unaddressed, this emotional burden exacerbates absenteeism, turnover, and lost productivity. The Business Case for a Full-Time Workplace Mediator Now imagine the impact of having a mediator available all the time, 24/7, completely unbiased and secure. A full-time mediator embedded within a company would do more than just respond to conflicts as they arise—they would help prevent them. • Early Intervention Saves Money: By addressing tensions and misunderstandings before they escalate, companies can avoid the high costs associated with formal grievance processes and legal disputes. A mediator’s proactive involvement can resolve issues before they lead to absenteeism or employee exits . • Boosting Productivity: Conflict disrupts workflow and damages team cohesion. By resolving disputes quickly, a mediator helps restore communication and productivity. In some cases, a mediator’s involvement can actually strengthen relationships, making teams more resilient and collaborative moving forward . • Lower Turnover: High employee turnover is one of the biggest costs associated with workplace conflict. Employees who feel unheard or mistreated are more likely to leave, which results in expensive recruitment, training, and onboarding processes. Studies show that companies with robust conflict resolution mechanisms, such as mediation, experience lower turnover rates and higher employee satisfaction . • Cultural Transformation: Having a mediator available fosters a culture of open communication. Employees are more likely to voice concerns early, reducing the chances of conflicts festering. Over time, this helps create a workplace culture of trust and transparency, which benefits morale and retention. What Full-Time Mediation Could Look Like A full-time mediator could be embedded within HR or report directly to leadership. Their role would involve more than just conflict resolution—they could conduct training workshops on communication, facilitate difficult conversations, and work with managers to build conflict prevention strategies. In addition to formal mediation sessions, the mediator could offer coaching to individuals or teams struggling with interpersonal dynamics, helping to prevent future issues. But here’s where Inetta AI can truly revolutionize the concept of full-time mediation: as an AI-driven mediation platform, Inetta AI can provide continuous, unbiased, and scalable conflict resolution support. Rather than relying on the availability of one human mediator, AI tools can be accessed 24/7, ensuring that conflicts are addressed as soon as they arise—before they escalate. Key benefits of using Inetta AI as your go-to mediator in the workplace: • Scalability: While human mediators are limited by time and resources, Inetta AI can handle multiple conflicts simultaneously, across teams and time zones. For companies with remote or global workforces, this means conflicts can be mediated in real-time, no matter where employees are located. • Cost Efficiency: Inetta AI reduces the need for hiring full-time or contract human mediators, cutting down costs related to wages, benefits, and logistical coordination. This makes it a more affordable solution for businesses of all sizes. • 24/7 Availability: Unlike human mediators, Inetta AI is always available. Employees can access mediation services whenever conflicts arise, preventing issues from festering or escalating during off-hours or holidays. This continuous availability ensures faster resolution and less workplace disruption. • Unbiased and Objective: AI doesn’t come with the unconscious biases that human mediators might bring into the room. Inetta AI ensures that each conflict is mediated impartially, with decisions based on data-driven insights and structured frameworks that promote fairness. • Valuable Insights: Inetta AI also provides valuable insights for companies, tracking patterns in workplace disputes and offering recommendations for preventing future conflicts. By analyzing trends, Inetta can help HR and leadership teams take a proactive approach to conflict management, addressing root causes before they turn into bigger problems. The evidence is clear: workplace conflict is costly, both financially and culturally.  Yet, most companies only address it after the damage is done. Inetta AI offers a smarter, more scalable solution by providing 24/7, unbiased mediation services that prevent conflicts from escalating and save organizations millions in lost productivity and turnover costs. It’s time for businesses to rethink their approach: • Invest in Full-Time Mediation: Companies should consider leveraging both human and AI mediation solutions like Inetta AI. The cost savings from preventing escalation and turnover would far outweigh the investment, creating a healthier, more productive workplace. • Normalize Mediation: Leadership teams must create an environment where mediation is seen as a proactive and positive step, rather than a last resort. This could include offering mediation services at the first sign of conflict and making it a core part of company culture. • Leverage Technology for Accessibility: Companies can use Inetta AI to provide accessible, unbiased, and 24/7 support at a fraction of the cost, ensuring conflict resolution is available whenever and wherever it’s needed. By embedding mediation into the fabric of the workplace, companies can prevent costly disputes, foster healthier work environments, and ultimately save millions.  Investing in conflict resolution isn’t just good for employee well-being—it’s a smart business move.

Peter Bouchard

Can You Love Your Parents and Still Be Hurt by Them? The Emotional Truth

[Family running] When our parents or family members hurt us, the emotional pain can be profound. Family relationships, especially with parents, are foundational to our sense of self, and when those bonds are strained or broken, it can leave lasting emotional scars. What makes these experiences even more challenging is that families often still love each other despite the hurt, creating a confusing mix of emotions — wanting to heal but not knowing how. Research shows that unresolved conflicts within families, particularly between parents and children, are incredibly common. “According to studies, over 75% of people who experience family conflict say it affects their emotional well-being, leading to issues like depression, anxiety, and stress. Yet, despite the emotional toll, many families struggle to repair these wounds. A significant barrier is the inability to communicate effectively about past hurts without falling into old patterns of blame or defensiveness.” One reason family conflicts are so difficult to resolve is that they often stem from unspoken expectations. Parents may expect certain behaviors from their children without clearly communicating them, leading to misunderstandings. Meanwhile, children may feel pressure to meet these expectations without feeling emotionally supported. This disconnect breeds resentment and frustration, creating long-lasting rifts. Research also highlights that attachment issues play a significant role in family conflicts. Parents and children may carry unmet emotional needs from childhood into adulthood, which can manifest in cyclical arguments that never seem to reach resolution. Another reason family hurt is so difficult to address is the fear of vulnerability. Family members may be afraid to confront the pain head-on because they fear rejection or judgment, which keeps them locked in unhealthy dynamics. “In fact, studies suggest that many individuals avoid confronting family members who have hurt them because they fear the confrontation will only lead to more pain, rather than healing.” Further complicating these dynamics is the reality of different communication styles. Parents and children often communicate in vastly different ways, especially across generations. This can make it even harder to understand each other’s emotions and needs, leading to further misunderstandings. For example, parents may prioritise respect and authority in communication, while their adult children may seek empathy and emotional validation. Another significant challenge is that past traumas — whether from childhood or past relationships — often resurface during family conflicts. Without acknowledging and addressing these deeper issues, it becomes nearly impossible to resolve the present-day conflicts that they fuel. For those who want to repair these relationships, the first step is often setting boundaries to protect emotional well-being. Clear boundaries help both parties understand what is acceptable and what isn’t, which can prevent future hurt. “Another critical step is open communication — having honest, vulnerable conversations about the pain caused, even when it feels difficult. However, this is easier said than done, and many families struggle to have these conversations without falling back into old patterns.” This is where tools like Inetta AI can offer a new approach to healing. Traditional family therapy often requires both parties to be fully committed to attending sessions, which can be a significant barrier when one person isn’t ready to engage. Inetta AI provides an alternative by allowing individuals to start personal therapy on their own terms. Later, they can invite family members into confidential, AI-facilitated conversations when both parties are ready. This flexibility removes the pressure of face-to-face confrontation, making it easier to start the healing process. Moreover, AI-assisted mediation ensures that both sides are heard and understood without falling into the traps of old communication patterns. Family conflicts are painful, but with the right tools and approach, healing is possible. By setting boundaries, fostering open communication, and seeking support when necessary, it’s possible to rebuild these important relationships. With continuous, on-demand support from tools like Inetta AI, families can work toward understanding each other without the fear of rejection or confrontation.

Sabina Storberg

“I just want my partner to understand me.”

[Man resting on woman. Woman on her phone.] In relationships, one of the most common sentiments people express is, “I just want my partner to understand me.” It’s a feeling of frustration, of not being heard, and often, of being alone even in the presence of someone you care deeply about. “But why is communication in relationships so difficult? And what happens when couples stop seeing eye to eye, becoming strangers in their own homes?” Research suggests that communication breakdown is one of the leading causes of conflict in relationships. Couples often fail to express their true feelings, or worse, they bottle them up to avoid conflict altogether. This emotional withholding leads to misunderstandings, which can snowball into resentment. “In fact, a study showed that communication issues are the top reason couples argue, ranking even higher than conflicts over money, intimacy, or family dynamics . When couples stop communicating effectively, they begin to drift apart, often feeling as if they are no longer seen or valued by their partner.” One major reason for these misunderstandings is unspoken expectations. Couples may assume their partner knows what they need, but without clear, open dialogue, these needs remain unmet. Additionally, different communication styles can lead to frustration. One partner might prefer direct, clear communication, while the other uses more subtle cues, leaving both parties feeling misunderstood. Another factor is distraction — life’s stresses can make it hard to fully listen to your partner, which exacerbates the disconnect. Fear of vulnerability also plays a significant role. Opening up about your true emotions requires trust, and many people fear that expressing themselves will lead to conflict, criticism, or even rejection. This fear prevents honest communication, causing partners to withdraw, which only deepens the divide. Over time, as misunderstandings accumulate, couples may feel as though they’re living with a stranger. The impact of poor communication is not just emotional; it can lead to long-term relationship distress. Studies show that couples who fail to address communication issues early on are more likely to experience dissatisfaction and even divorce. “According to research, a large portion of couples who eventually sought support admitted they wished they had done so sooner.” Furthermore, couples who do seek help tend to wait until their issues have become severe, rather than addressing them when they first arise. However, the benefits of improving communication are substantial. Open dialogue helps partners understand each other’s needs and emotions, fostering empathy and connection. Couples who communicate well tend to experience greater satisfaction, intimacy, and overall happiness in their relationships. Despite these clear benefits, many people are hesitant to attend couples therapy. Often, individuals fear their partner won’t fully engage or that they will be the only one committed to the process. This fear of being left alone in their efforts can prevent couples from seeking help . This is where Inetta AI can make a profound difference. Unlike traditional therapy, Inetta allows individuals to start working on communication issues on their own, at their own pace. You don’t need to wait for both partners to agree to therapy — Inetta offers personal therapy that can evolve into relationship coaching whenever both parties are ready. With its 24/7 accessibility, users can open confidential relationship chats, making it easier and less intimidating to invite a partner into the conversation later. Inetta removes the barriers to communication that often hold couples back, offering guidance that helps both individuals and relationships grow.

Sabina Storberg