Antra at Macquarie University tries out BeneHub to find some new ways to deal with the stresses of being a working parent.

Macquarie’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is something I’ve been vaguely aware of, but never actually used in my seven years at the University. But with two young children at home, a long commute and a deadline-driven job-share role, my working days can get a little stressful and I’m keen to find ways to bring some more calm to my working days. 

Our EAP service is provided by Benestar and I’m told their online resources hub is well worth checking out. I also discover that as a Macquarie employee, my immediate family and I are eligible for six free sessions of confidential personal coaching, which can be face-to-face, over the phone or via online chat.

Benestar offers support and services for a whole range of issues – and not just work-related. They can help with financial advice, personal and work relationships, anxiety and depression and coping with organisational change among many other issues.

"Given the cost of professional counselling, it’s fantastic that Macquarie staff can access these kinds of services for free."

Venturing into the hub

I start by heading to BeneHub – an ‘always on’ online portal of resources and contact details for personal support. Setting up an account is easy (using the provided company ID and token) and the site is easy to navigate.

Articles

I’m surprised by the number of quality articles, which are conveniently grouped by topics such as ‘Relationships’, ‘Work’ and ‘Money’. I search for articles on working more efficiently and find some good ones, including ‘Six productive ways to start your day’ (though I’m not entirely keen on tip #5 – starting the day with a cold shower!).

Learning Modules

There are many learning modules to choose from. I select ‘Wheel of Life’, which is all about identifying and prioritising the areas and activities in your life that are meaningful and fulfilling to you. I’m not usually a fan of goal-setting activities, but I find this module surprisingly enjoyable and useful.

Self Assessments

After my usual Monday-morning-with-two children chaos, I decide to do the stress test. I’m feeling a little frazzled, so it’s no surprise I end up with a ‘Mild level of stress’. I’m encouraged to contact a coach if I’m concerned about my stress levels and there’s a useful link to a 10-minute calming meditation.

Contacting a Coach

Live Chat

The easiest and most discreet way to contact Benestar’s coaches is online via Live Chat, email or their online messenger service. I go for Live Chat and shoot out a message asking for some advice about dealing with my Monday morning chaos. Within a few minutes a coach responds with a range of tips – some of which I’ve already tried, but it’s good to be reminded of. I get some great advice for dealing with toddler tantrums, and regulating my internal voice to keep small annoyances in perspective. After 10 minutes of conversation, I’m feeling more positive and strangely enough my live chat has felt a lot like chatting with a friend.

Telephone and Face-to-Face counselling

You can also ring Benestar on 1300 360 364 to speak to a coach on the phone, or to arrange faceto- face counselling sessions with qualified social workers and psychologists in one of many Sydney locations. The closest location to the Macquarie campus is at 123 Epping Road, where both male and female psychologists and social workers are available.

The Verdict

All in all, I’m impressed with the range of resources available on the Benestar hub, and how easy it is to get a conversation going with a qualified support person. Given the cost of professional counselling, it’s fantastic that Macquarie staff can access these kinds of services for free.

Get in Touch

If you’re looking for an experienced partner to champion the potential of good health in your organisation, talk with us today by calling 1300 360 364 or email us at [email protected].