New employee assistance program provides 24/7 access to support


Telus Health, McMaster’s new provider of its Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) provides easier access to mental, physical, social and financial wellbeing supports than ever before.

Telus Health is Canada’s most expansive clinical network: those who need support or resources can access them through phone, in-person visits, video, or an online chat feature and self-guided learning.

The Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) is a free program that eligible employees and their dependents can use to access confidential counselling and resources on a 24/7/365 basis.

After listening to feedback and an extensive RFP process, McMaster chose Telus Health (formerly known as Lifeworks) due to its extensive offerings.

Counselling support is available for topics including, but not limited to:

  • Stress & Life Management
  • Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Loss, Anger & Violence
  • Relationships, Life Changes, Family Matters, Parenting
  • Substance Abuse, Addictions, Smoking Cessation
  • Career Support & Resilency Coaching
  • Lifestyle Planning
  • Personal Traumatic Events

For more information, go to the HR Website. Employees can access support through the dedicated phone number 1-833-366-4544 or by logging in to the Telus Health wellbeing platform available online or on the mobile app (search “Lifeworks” in your app store”). To access the EFAP platform:

  • Enter mcmasteruniversity
  • Select “Next”
  • You will be redirected to enter your McMaster credentials (email and password) to allow secure single sign on.

Any currently active support/counselling managed by Homewood Health, up to and including March 31, 2023, will remain with Homewood Health until completion, even beyond April 1. If you or a family member are in need of assistance before April 1, please contact Homewood Health directly at 1.800.663.1142.