Employee Mental Health Support and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Policy

Policy Number	MU-POL-002	Issue Date	1.0
Issue Date	Jan- 2025	Review Date	Jan. 2027
Owner	Human Resources Management	Scope	All Staff

I. Purpose and Objectives

Midocean University is committed to promoting the mental health and wellbeing of all its employees, addressing challenges arising from the nature of remote work, such as technological isolation or burnout, in order to sustain consistently high performance. Midocean University recognizes that the psychological and mental wellbeing of its employees is a fundamental pillar of institutional performance quality. Accordingly, it is committed to providing a supportive digital work environment that safeguards mental health and enables timely access to professional support.

II. Scope

Full-time and contract faculty members.
Administrative and technical staff.
Consultants and part-time employees.

III. Definitions

Mental Health: The emotional, psychological, and social well-being that influences how individuals think, feel, and behave.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): A confidential support system provided by the University to address personal and work-related issues that may affect job performance.

IV. Core Policy Provisions

1. Provision of Mental Health Support Services

Access to online psychological counseling services through licensed and contracted providers.
Provision of confidential one-to-one counseling sessions for employees experiencing psychological or occupational stress.
Availability of 24/7 online crisis support channels.
Provision of digital educational resources on stress management and mental well-being.

2. Healthy Digital Work Environment

Clear guidelines regulating communication outside official working hours to reduce digital fatigue.
Promotion of work-life balance through flexible scheduling policies.
Organization of regular online workshops on self-care and stress management.

3. Confidentiality and Employment Protection

All information related to the use of mental health support services shall remain strictly confidential.
Seeking mental health support shall not be used as a basis for disciplinary action or negative performance evaluation.

4. Awareness and Education

Regular awareness campaigns to promote mental health and reduce associated stigma.
Provision of training resources for managers on how to support team members psychologically.

V. Responsibilities

Human Resources Management: Oversee the EAP, coordinate with service providers, and conduct annual impact assessments.
Managers: Refer employees to support services, when necessary, while maintaining full confidentiality.
Employees: Actively utilize available services and seek support when needed.

VI. Review and Update

This policy shall be reviewed annually with employee representation and updated in response to changes in the digital work environment.