CiC Employee Assistance Programme

Overview

CiC Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) combines confidential counselling with practical advice, manager guidance and digital wellbeing resources for employees facing personal or work-related challenges. It is best suited to organisations seeking a tailored, round-the-clock support programme with both human and digital access. Its breadth is a strength, but employers should weigh the six-session counselling allowance against their teams’ needs and request a quote before deciding.

Key features

Employees can call the 24/7 AdviceLine for direct access to a qualified counsellor. Up to six structured counselling sessions are available where appropriate, delivered by phone, online or face-to-face; live chat is another route to support. That range can suit employees with different preferences, though the stated session allowance may not be enough for those needing longer-term care.

The programme extends beyond counselling. Legal support and financial guidance cover practical matters such as budgeting, debt, future planning and retirement readiness. Leaders can use a confidential AdviceLine for guidance from senior clinicians on workplace conflict, bereavement and mental health concerns, giving managers a route to seek support without treating them as clinicians.

CiC’s Ele platform adds webinars, health checks, self-help resources and a personalised dashboard. Its library contains more than 6,500 videos, podcasts and articles, alongside a directory of more than 10,000 verified support organisations. An onboarding questionnaire shapes a personalised wellbeing journey, while AI-powered recommendations can help direct users to content. A privacy quick-escape button is also included. Real-time analytics are available to approved stakeholders, so organisations gain usage insights while employees retain access to a confidential support service.

CiC says it has more than 1,200 counsellors across 114 countries, a potentially useful reach for international workforces. It also co-designs programmes with clients and assigns a dedicated team to oversee implementation, monitor usage, share insights and conduct regular reviews. CiC describes Ele as secure; it is certified to ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials Plus, and staff complete data security training. CiC is EAPA-accredited.

Pricing

CiC Employee Assistance Programme is a paid, tailored programme with custom pricing. Employers should contact CiC for a quote; the programme includes confidential counselling, financial and legal help, work-life support and crisis support, with six counselling sessions. No free plan or trial is stated. Because the programme is co-designed for each organisation, it may suit employers wanting a tailored service, but buyers should confirm the price, employee eligibility and how the six-session allowance applies before committing.

Platforms

CiC supports Android, iOS and web. Employees can access support by phone, online, face-to-face and live chat, with phone, chat and online resources available around the clock.

Who it's for

CiC is a strong fit for employers that want counselling alongside practical legal and financial guidance, manager support and self-service wellbeing content. Its international counsellor network and multiple counselling formats may suit distributed teams. Organisations seeking a known per-seat price, or employees who need a guaranteed longer course of counselling, should clarify terms with CiC or compare other providers.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Round-the-clock phone, live-chat and online access gives employees several ways to reach support.
• Pros: Counselling is complemented by legal and financial guidance, manager advice and work-life support.
• Pros: Ele combines a substantial content library, verified support directory and personalised recommendations.
• Pros: A counsellor network spanning 114 countries can serve organisations with employees in multiple regions.
• Cons: Counselling is limited to up to six structured sessions where appropriate, which may not meet every employee’s needs.
• Cons: Custom pricing requires employers to obtain a quote before they can assess cost.

Alternatives

For a wider comparison, browse the Employee Assistance Program Software category.

Consider Empathia LifeMatters if you want another paid EAP available on Android, iOS and web; its pricing is also by request. Optum Global EAP is another paid, cross-platform option, with pricing available by contacting Optum and no free plan.

PAM Wellbeing is a paid alternative available on Android, iOS and web. SupportLinc may suit employees whose employer provides it as a benefit: employees and immediate family members pay nothing, though terms may vary by programme.

Acentra Health Employee Assistance Program is a freemium web option. CuraLinc EAP is a paid, cross-platform alternative with proposals and services tailored to the employer’s programme. Optima Health EAP is a paid web option with a free plan. TELUS Health EAP is a paid Android, iOS and web option tailored to organisational needs.

Verdict

Choose CiC if your organisation wants an integrated EAP that pairs counselling with practical guidance, manager support and a substantial digital resource library, particularly across an international workforce. Its broad access routes and dedicated account management make it a compelling option for employers prepared to tailor a programme. Look elsewhere if a published price or a larger guaranteed counselling allowance is essential; request a quote and confirm how the six-session limit works before signing.