Morneau Shepell honored by Employee Assistance European Forum
International Student Support Program recognized for innovation and thought leadership
CHICAGO, IL, July 25, 2017 – Morneau Shepell’s International Student Support Program (ISSP) received the 2017 Employee Assistance European Forum (EAEF)’s Innovation of the Year Award for thought leadership and innovation as a result of the mental health support it provides to international students.
It is estimated that by 2025, eight million students will be studying abroad. Due to the stresses of living and studying in a foreign country, international students have an increased likelihood of developing mental health issues. This can directly affect how students perform throughout their years in an academic setting.
“Many international students do not have frequent access to the support network they likely have at home, which means most of these students require alternative methods of obtaining support in an effort to achieve success at school,” said Rita Fridella, Executive Vice-President and General Manager, Employee Support Solutions, Morneau Shepell. “Academic institutions that offer the ISSP as a complementary program to their on-campus counseling services are able to establish a highly accessible and holistic support network for their students.”
The ISSP provides instantaneous support for students with 24/7 chat through an app, online and by telephone, as well as ongoing support through telephone and video counseling. This means that students who are away from home have the opportunity to be matched with a counselor that speaks the same language and understands the cultural context. This type of access to care provides students with immediate help that is unique to their specific circumstance.
“We are proud to have recognized Morneau Shepell for its impressive work in this industry,” said Igor Moll, President, Employee Assistance European Forum. “The ISSP is an excellent and much-needed solution for international students who are seeking support.”
Paul Wittes, Director, Global Clinical Services, Morneau Shepell, accepted the award at the annual EAEF conference in Milan, Italy in June 2017.
About Morneau Shepell
Morneau Shepell is a leading North American human resources consulting and technology company with global reach, delivering solutions that integrate both the needs of organizations and their people in employee assistance, health and wellness, benefits and retirement planning and pension administration. The Company is a leading provider of employee assistance programs and administrator of retirement and benefits plans, and has a growing presence in the North American market for absence and disability management solutions. Through strategic HR consulting, innovative plan design and comprehensive technology solutions, the Company is powering positive change in progressive organizations by helping clients solve complex workforce problems, increase employee productivity, reduce costs and improve their competitive position. Established in 1966, Morneau Shepell serves approximately 20,000 clients, ranging from small businesses to some of the largest corporations and associations. With more than 4,000 employees in offices across North America, Morneau Shepell provides services to organizations across North America and around the globe.
Contact:
Heather MacDonald
Morneau Shepell
416.390.2625
hmacdonald@morneaushepell.com