Manager Initiated Referral

The majority of people choosing to access counselling follow a self-referred process, where their family or organisation may not be aware of their attendance. However, manager initiated counselling or formal referrals, involve a manager requesting an employee’s attendance, often as a result of a particular workplace issue.

Talking to an employee about a performance difficulty is never easy.  Referrals work best when they balance genuine concern for an employee and their wellbeing, with holding them accountable to their behaviour prior to further steps becoming necessary.

Our consultants are trained in counselling and management issues.  We will assist you to clarify goals for the process and to approach the employee respectfully. As a manager, you will be allocated to a senior liaison specialist who will assist in maximising outcomes for the process and deal with any presenting organisational concerns.  The employee will be allocated a specialist counsellor to ensure confidentiality.  The counsellor will liaise with the senior liaison specialist to ensure the final outcome takes into account personal variables and organisational requirements.

The benefits include:

• It is often a positive way of managing a work performance issue
• It provides the employee with a clear, finite process for developing new skills
• It is confidential and objective

Employees are often referred to counselling as a result of a performance or interpersonal difficulty in the workplace where there are specific concerns that become necessary to address.  These may include:

• Increased absenteeism or decreased productivity
• Workplace bullying or poor behaviour toward peers/clients
• Irritability or moodiness
• Concerns about substance misuse