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.

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