Morneau Shepell Ltd., under its Shepell•fgi brand, has launched an online program to help couples gain greater satisfaction in their intimate relationships. The program, called Enhancing Your Relationship, educates users on the principles of healthy relationships and provides exercises and resources that they can access at any time.
“One of the top three issues people reach out to us for assistance each year is about their relationships,” said Barb Veder, clinical director with Morneau Shepell. “We continually receive questions such as ‘What defines a healthy relationship?’ ‘How can I improve my relationship with my partner?’ and ‘How do I ensure that my partner and I can really talk to and hear each other?'”
The program is part of Morneau Shepell’s mandate to increase awareness around mental health in the workplace. “High work stress has been linked to marital conflict, family stress, and poor performance in both work and family roles,” said Veder. “Conversely, we also witness the toll that problematic personal relationships take on workplace productivity and engagement. Everything is connected.”
Studies indicate that employers could reduce absenteeism by 6.5% and save $1 billion per year in direct costs if they eliminate high levels of work-to-family interference. Other studies show that divorce can affect employee productivity and effectiveness for three to five years, or longer.
“It is clear that there is a direct connection between employees’ healthy personal relationships and workplace productivity,” said Rita Fridella, senior vice-president of operations and chief clinician with Morneau Shepell.
The program is available to Shepell•fgi members and their families by calling the Care Access Centre or online at workhealthlife.com.