From Vision to Legacy
The Acacia Way Webinar Series recently hosted “From Vision to Legacy,” a thought-provoking discussion with Acacia Founder Greg Kentish. The webinar explored the evolution of the mental health landscape, the challenges and opportunities facing businesses, and Acacia’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services. Below are the key takeaways from the session:
The Changing Landscape of Mental Health
- Increased Access, Persistent Challenges:
While telehealth has significantly improved access to mental health support, particularly in remote areas, the overall state of mental health in Australia remains a significant concern. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth, eliminating barriers such as travel time and enhancing privacy. However, access to non-EAP mental health services continues to be a challenge for many Australians. - The Rise of EAP:
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are offering immediate mental health support, often within just 15 minutes of contact, a stark contrast to the weeks-long wait times for general psychology appointments. The 24/7 availability of EAP services is essential, recognising that mental health issues do not follow a 9-to-5 schedule. - Youth Mental Health and the Future Workforce:
The impact of COVID-19 on youth mental health has been profound, with a significant percentage of young people aged 15-24 now accessing mental health services. This shift underscores the increasing importance of EAPs in supporting the next generation of workers who may already be facing mental health challenges before entering the workforce. - Stigma Remains a Barrier:
Although the conversation around mental health has grown, stigma is still a major barrier preventing many individuals from seeking help. It’s critical to prioritise the care of the individual and address mental health needs before workplace performance issues, which are often intertwined, are tackled.
The Acacia Approach
- Quality Over Quantity:
At Acacia, the focus is on high-quality, person-centred care. The organisation is committed to providing experienced, qualified psychologists, resisting the trend towards a “race to the bottom” seen in some EAP services, driven by shareholder pressures and overseas acquisitions. - Australian Owned and Operated:
Acacia prides itself on being an Australian-owned business that understands the nuances of the local market and workforce. They remain dedicated to staying independent, focused on their core mission of supporting Australians. - Balanced Approach to Technology:
While Acacia embraces digital tools, including their upcoming app, they recognise the irreplaceable value of human connection in mental health support. Technology is seen as a supplement to, rather than a replacement for, the essential interaction with qualified professionals. - Focus on Early Intervention:
Acacia encourages organisations to take a proactive approach to mental health, likening it to preventative car maintenance—addressing concerns before they escalate into more serious issues. - Comprehensive Support Services:
Beyond traditional EAP services, Acacia offers a wide range of support, including organisational development, training, mediation services, and manager hotlines, ensuring that businesses have the tools they need to support their teams.
Looking Ahead
- Continued Growth and Innovation:
Acacia is committed to ongoing growth, expanding its reach, and supporting more Australians. They will continue to innovate within the industry while ensuring their focus remains on providing quality care. - Global Reach:
With offices now established in London and plans for expansion into New Zealand, Acacia is positioning itself as a global leader in EAP services, supporting Australian companies with international operations. - Focus on Values:
The success of Acacia is deeply rooted in its strong core values, which are reflected in its hiring processes and company culture. Employee engagement and the creation of a positive work environment are at the heart of everything they do.
Key Quote from Greg Kentish
“We’re maintaining that standard of service to our customers and employees, and the quality, which is, you know, at the end of the day, that’s the most important thing. The day that stops working, we’ve got a really serious problem, and we don’t intend to.”
— Greg Kentish, Founder of Acacia Connection
