When it comes to a healthy company culture, health quite literally should play a role. And a great place to start is ensuring your employees have access to health resources. Of course, a safe and pleasant work environment fosters good relationships among employees and a good laugh each day. Beyond that, playing a role in the well-being of a company’s greatest assets (its employees) is important. Often times when we think of healthcare resources, we think of medical plans and doctor’s visits. While those are very important to offer to employees, there’s one plan many overlook.
The pandemic changed almost every aspect of the way we work and catapulted telework’s popularity. As a result, a new light was shed on mental health. Working from home, often with children who were going to school online and were home as well, seemed to increase stress for some. Suddenly, the comradery around the water cooler was gone. Work hours stretched into the evenings because the home office always seemed to be open, the glow of the computer light beckoning to its owner to check the latest message. We learned that resources, almost any resource, were now more important than ever. Fortunately, for companies like Zapata who offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), the task of getting guidance/assistance to our employees was easy. Zapata utilizes LifeCare via our HR platform with ADP. This service makes finding and requesting assistance simple for various matters such as parenting, wellness, home services and legal issues. In fact, help is available to our people with a quick phone call 24 hours a day.
An EAP is probably new to most people. However, it should be something every employee has access to and is familiar with in their company’s offerings. Zapata considers it so important that we offer it free of charge to both our full and part-time employees. Life can unload unexpected stressors. Sometimes, a simple phone call to ask questions is all it takes to alleviate the weight of those life events. As parents age, many employees may now find themselves wondering how senior care works. Similarly, a divorce may occur and you’re not sure what your next step should be. An EAP provides guidance on this if needed, and much more. A real perk to having this LifeCare EAP is the addition of our discount program. LifeCare also makes available thousands of discounts to our employees from deals on travel to retail to theme parks and more.
Having an EAP in a company’s suite of available resources is vital, but it’s also important to include insurance/medical coverage options as well. The EAP and medical coverage may work hand in hand depending on the employee’s need. Therefore, we recommend a well-balanced offering of coverage/plans at various price points so each employee can choose what’s best for them.
Knowing the importance of work-life balance, a healthy company culture must be well rounded. It must include a healthy work environment, whether in person or virtual. It also needs access to resources when needed, plus ample time off for self-care. At Zapata, we like to think we’ve found the perfect combination for the healthiest culture. In short, that means ample resources available to our employees, including time off to utilize them.
Author – Christina Hall
August 2022
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Employee Assistance Program?
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is an employer-sponsored benefit that provides confidential support services for employees and their families. EAPs typically cover a wide range of needs including mental health counseling, legal guidance, financial advice, eldercare resources, parenting support, and wellness programs. Most EAPs offer 24/7 access via phone or online, making help available whenever an employee needs it. Zapata Technology’s EAP is provided through LifeCare via ADP and is offered free of charge to both full-time and part-time employees.
Does Zapata Technology offer mental health support?
Yes. Zapata Technology’s Employee Assistance Program includes access to mental health resources, counseling referrals, and wellness support available 24 hours a day. The company recognizes that work-life balance and employee well-being are essential to a healthy company culture, particularly in high-demand defense technology roles. In addition to the EAP, Zapata Technology offers flexible time off, medical coverage options, and a supportive work environment — whether in-person or remote. Learn more about the full benefits package.