[Must-read for HR and General Affairs] It's a waste if it's not used! How to increase the number of uses for external consultation services?
<Author Introduction>
Daisuke Miyanaka. Researcher on health promotion for workers, Representative Director of Better Options Co., Ltd. Engaged in HR and health management consulting utilizing behavioral science and data science, and development support for mental health-related services. Also involved in research and education on work engagement and well-being at universities. Holds an MPH (Master of Public Health), is a specially appointed assistant professor at the Faculty of Policy Management at Keio University, an advisor to the Japan Customer Harassment Response Association, and a graduate of the Graduate School of Medicine at the University of Tokyo (Major in Public Health).
Introduction
Even if a company introduces an external consultation service, there are many cases where it is not actually used. Even if it is set up, if employees are not aware of its existence, it will not be utilized when the time comes.
Therefore, this time, I will introduce three concrete ideas to increase the use of external consultation services.
1) Promote the consultation service by theme
External consultation services can often handle a wide range of issues, not just mental health consultations, but also harassment issues such as sexual harassment and power harassment, caregiving worries, relationships with spouses, and private problems such as childcare.
However, the feature of being able to "consult about anything" can sometimes be the reason why it doesn't come to mind in specific consultation situations. Therefore, it is effective to divide and publicize the service by theme.
For example, even if the contact information for the consultation is the same,
"Sexual Harassment Consultation Service"
"Power Harassment Consultation Service"
"Interpersonal Relationship Consultation Service"
"Caregiving/Childcare Consultation Service"
By promoting it by dividing it into themes in this way, it becomes easier for employees to consult immediately when they need to.
2) Post it in a conspicuous place
In many companies, information about external consultation services is posted on the intranet, but because it is in a hard-to-find place, the current situation is that employees are not aware of its existence.
Therefore, it is recommended not only to post it in a conspicuous place on the intranet but also to put up physical posters in the office.
In particular, it is effective to post it in places where employees are likely to see it, such as the following:
Restrooms
Break rooms
In front of the elevator
In the break room
By posting notices in these locations, you increase the opportunities for employees to see them regularly, making it easier for them to seek help when they are in trouble.
3) Publicize during new employee orientations and training sessions
Utilizing training and orientation opportunities is also effective for spreading awareness about the existence of consultation services.
For example:
Explain the existence of external consultation services during new employee orientation
Introduce the 'Sexual Harassment and Power Harassment Consultation Service' during harassment training
Guide managers during management training on 'consultation services that can be used when listening to subordinates' concerns'
In particular, as the number of employees dealing with caregiving issues has been increasing recently, it is extremely important to publicize 'caregiving and childcare consultation services' during management training.
Summary
To increase the usage of external consultation services, it is essential to make them a 'familiar presence' for employees. To achieve this, you should incorporate measures such as:
Publicizing services by categorizing them by theme
Posting notices in prominent locations
Introducing them during orientations and training
incorporate these kinds of efforts.
To protect the mental and physical health of your employees as a company, let's establish an environment where external consultation services can be effectively utilized.
End