survey Results in Changes
to Employee Assistance Program

s you probably know, we have an Employee

Assistance Program (EAP) at Capilano College. This
important resource provides personal and confidential
counselling regarding a wide range of issues—at no cost
to you!

You may also know that we have an EAP committee
comprised of representatives from staff, faculty and
administration. To get a sense of how employees felt about
the program and the provider, Wilson Banwell and
Associates Ltd., the committee initiated an evaluation of
the program last August by an independent consulting
firm.

EAP Survey Results

e@ = There was a 25 per cent return of the questionnaire.

e More than 70 employees who had used the program
during the last three years responded, providing us
with reliable data.

e Overall, employees were satisfied with Wilson
Banwell. The majority has been comfortable with
their counsellor, felt that the visits had been helpful,
and would use the program again.

Suggestions for Improvement

Some comments made either on the questionnaires, or
informally to committee members, suggested a few
changes that may assist the EAP to better address the needs
and priorities of Capilano College employees:

1. Employees felt at times that the counsellor to whom
they were assigned was not right for them or their situation.
This judgment may have been based upon a variety of
factors, including gender, age, type of background and
experience, and personal or communication style.

This issue can be addressed in two ways. First, remember
that when you call to set up an appointment, you have the
right to ask for a particular type of counsellor. For example,
you may say, “I'd like to see someone with experience in
mediation,” or, “I'd like to see a female counsellor who
has done a lot of work with parent-teen conflict.” At the
same time, remember than many of the counsellors have a

broad range of experience and should be able to provide
effective support once they understand the problem.
Also, the more specifications requested, the longer you
may have to wait for an initial appointment, especially
when factors, such as schedule and office location, are
taken into account.

Second, remember that if you are dissatisfied with your
counsellor, you have the right to request a different one.
You may need to think about this first. Ask yourself
whether your expectations of counselling are realistic
and whether you've given the relationship some time to
develop. But, as a consumer of a service, you can always
express your dissatisfaction and ask for a change.

The EAP committee thought it would be helpful for
employees to have some information about the Wilson
Banwell psychologists. In response, Wilson Banwell has
produced a booklet entitled Profiles for EAP Providers.
It contains information about each counsellor, including
their training, experience and areas of specialization.
Copies can be found on reserve in the library. EAP
committee members also have copies which they will
make available.

2. The second issue concerns employees who request
that the EAP cover meetings with a counsellor not
affiliated with Wilson Banwell. Up until now, only
registered psychologists were covered. At the
committee's request, Wilson Banwell has agreed to
extend coverage to registered social workers and
registered clinical counsellors, as well as registered
psychologists. This change is to be undertaken on a trial
basis and the committee will meet with Wilson Banwell
next fall to assess its impact on the program.

The EAP committee hopes that these changes will make
the program even more responsive to the needs of
Capilano College employees. If you have any questions
regarding the EAP, please contact a member of the
committee. They are: Judi Fletcher ( 2729), Daniel
Frankel ( 2567), Conchita Furstenwald (2427), John
Potts (2988), Cindy Rogers (2927), and Brenda
Rovner (2757).

— Daniel Frankel