Blog. One Employee, Two Outcomes: Why Proactive Support Protects Your People and Performance
October 20, 2025 | Author Jeremy Gibson
Meet Alex, a hospitality professional doing their best amid today’s challenging economic climate. Rising living costs, unexpected bills, and unpredictable shifts have left Alex quietly struggling with mounting financial difficulty - a common situation in our industry, but one that can quickly spiral without the right support.
Path One: Without an EAP
As bills stack up, Alex finds it harder to keep up with utility payments and rent. The stress grows, but the idea of opening up about money worries at work feels risky and uncomfortable. Each unpaid bill deepens anxiety, and soon, overdue notices begin to arrive on a daily basis.
Alex tries to cope alone - taking on extra shifts, skipping meals, and sacrificing essentials just to get by. But the pressure is relentless. Sleep becomes elusive, anxiety increases, and the fear of losing their home feels all too real.
Relationships with colleagues suffer as exhaustion and irritability set in. Performance dips, absences increase, and eventually mounting rent arrears triggers an eviction notice. Without timely support, what began as a manageable issue escalates into a chain of events with devastating, life-changing consequences.
Path Two: With an EAP
Alex’s employer has made wellbeing a real priority, ensuring every team member knows that confidential support is always available through Hospitality Action’s Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
When a manager notices Alex is quieter, more distracted, and occasionally mentioning money worries, they have the confidence to signpost Alex to the HA EAP - knowing expert, confidential help is just a call away.
Alex calls the 24/7 helpline and is immediately connected to a qualified adviser who listens without judgement. Together, they:
- Discuss the situation in detail, breaking down the challenges step-by-step
- Identify priority bills and discuss realistic, affordable payment plans
- Get tailored advice on speaking with creditors and learn about local resources
- Review the hardship grants and welfare benefits advice available from Hospitality Action
- Build a plan that’s manageable and sustainable, restoring a sense of control and stability
Crucially, emotional support is there every step of the way - whether that’s a listening ear, coping strategies to reduce anxiety, or short-term counselling for stress.
With practical help and ongoing support, Alex avoids missing rent payments, stabilises their finances, and restores their wellbeing. Their work performance improves, relationships at work bounce back, and any sense of crisis is replaced with resilience and renewed hope.
Calculate Your EAP Savings.
See how much you could save by reducing absenteeism and turnover.
Why EAPs Matter
No one in hospitality should face life’s challenges alone. With an EAP in place, employees like Alex have access to professional, confidential support - at any moment, for any problem. For employers, it’s a proactive way to care for teams, reduce absenteeism, and build a thriving, loyal workforce.
Ready to support your team when it matters most?