Office address: Level 8, 75 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
Website: www.accesseap.com.au
Year established: 1989
Company type: mental health care
Employees: 100+
Expertise: mental health care, mental health awareness, critical incident management, training, workplace wellbeing, organisation consulting, conflict resolution, manager support, financial wellness, EAP, mediation, counselling, coaching, onsite support, nutrition consultation
Parent company: N/A
Key people: Fiona Mackenzie (CEO), Tracey Dillon (COO), Michelle Malley (CFO), Melita Griffin (CCO), Les Forrest (head of business technology services), Dorienne Spennato (director), Pam Davis (people and culture manager)
Financing status: N/A

AccessEAP is a Sydney-based, not-for-profit provider of employee assistance programs (EAP) with over 30 years in the industry. The organisation is one of the founding members of Australia’s EAP sector, with over 100 employees nationwide. The company collaborates with various industries to enhance workplace mental health and wellbeing.

History of AccessEAP

AccessEAP was founded in 1989, beginning with a mission to improve workplace wellbeing across Australia. The company played a pivotal role in establishing employee assistance programs nationwide, and over the decades, it has continued to focus on mental health and wellbeing. Their offerings include tailored programs to support organisations in managing workplace mental health, while also conducting their own research to aid their operations.

In 2021, AccessEAP’s research revealed that men are less likely to seek workplace support services, highlighting the need for more targeted mental health interventions. As a registered charity, the organisation channels surplus profits into community programs, including support for vulnerable children through the Curran Access Children’s Foundation.

Products and Services of AccessEAP

The company provides a range of services designed to support workplace wellbeing:

• Individuals in Focus: provides personalised counselling and support to help employees manage personal and professional challenges
• Managers in Focus: equips managers with tools and resources to effectively support their teams and address workplace issues
• Organisations in Focus: partners with businesses to create tailored programs that enhance overall workplace mental health and wellbeing
• Learning in Focus: delivers targeted training sessions to build employee resilience, improve mental health literacy, and develop leadership skills

AccessEAP’s services are designed to be a strategic component of comprehensive workplace wellbeing programs. By placing employees at the centre, these offerings empower individuals, encourage early intervention, and enhance resilience. Through a 360-degree framework, they effectively address and manages complex workplace challenges.

Culture at AccessEAP

The firm fosters a company culture centred on values like creativity, teamwork, and integrity, with a focus on enhancing mental health and wellbeing. The team is diverse, dedicated, and passionate about supporting both employees and organisations through meaningful, person-focused interactions. This commitment is reflected in the company’s approach to employee benefits, which include:

• competitive salary and package
• hybrid working arrangement
• working with a fast-paced, passionate team
• employee assistance program and other benefits

AccessEAP is committed to supporting emotional, social, and human-related challenges, reinvesting profits to benefit vulnerable populations. Their workplace wellbeing programs positively impact employees and communities, with profits funding initiatives such as:

• H.O.P.E. and Family Support & Recovery: crisis and recovery support
• CCareline and Centacare: counselling and social services
• Volunteers to Halt Loneliness: addressing social isolation
• Domestic & Family Violence Accommodation Services: giving safe spaces for victims
• Asylum Seeker Support Program: assisting asylum seekers
• Curran Access Children’s Foundation: protecting at-risk children

AccessEAP is dedicated to developing cultural competency, particularly in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. By deepening cultural awareness, they offer more culturally sensitive EAP services. Their reconciliation journey continues with the completion of the Reflect component of their Reconciliation Action Plan.

About AccessEAP CEO Fiona Mackenzie and Key People

Fiona Mackenzie has been the CEO of AccessEAP since 2021, leveraging over 20 years of leadership experience, including her role as executive general manager at Anglicare. She holds an MBA (Exec), a graduate certificate in change management from AGSM, and a bachelor of economics from Macquarie University. Mackenzie is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Supporting Mackenzie in leading the company are key personnel:

• Tracey Dillon, serving as chief operations officer, oversees daily operations and ensures the efficient delivery of services
• Michelle Malley, as chief finance officer, manages the company’s financial strategy and resources
• Melita Griffin, as chief customer officer, focuses on customer satisfaction and engagement
• Les Forrest, as head of business technology services, leads the IT department in delivering innovative technology solutions
• Dorienne Spennato, serving as director, clinical services delivery, is responsible for the quality and effectiveness of clinical services
• Pam Davis, as people and culture manager, oversees HR policies and fosters a supportive work environment

The Future at AccessEAP

The company remains committed to evolving its services to meet the changing needs of workplaces across Australia. The launch of the 2024 Wellbeing Calendar and Sleep Resources Pack reflects its dedication to promoting holistic employee health. Moving forward, AccessEAP will continue to innovate in workplace wellbeing, ensuring employees have the support they need to thrive.

Recently, CEO Fiona Mackenzie participated in the CEO Sleepout initiative, raising awareness about homelessness. This engagement underscores their broader mission to support vulnerable Australians. The company aims to deepen its impact on both workplace culture and the wider community through ongoing initiatives.