Employee Assistance Programs

E. A. P.

Employee Assistance Programs

What is an Employee Assistance Program?

Very simply,

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it is just what it sounds like – assistance to employees. This program provides confidential, professional assistance to help employees and their families resolve problems that affect their personal lives or job performance. Besides being confidential, the program is voluntary – it is designed to allow the employees to seek help on their own.

How does the Employee Assistance Program work?

The employer retains the services of a qualified counseling resource that specializes in the assessment of personal problems. Here’s how the program works:

The request for help may be initiated by the employee or the family. Simply call the number on this brochure, and an appointment will be arranged. CONFIDENTIALITY IS ASSURED. The discussion of the problem is strictly between you and your counselor. Neither your employer nor your co-workers will have any knowledge of your request for help.

Your supervisor may encourage the use of the Employee Assistance Program when a performance problem occurs, in order to determine if a personal problem may be interfering with the job. The program is still voluntary, and even though the supervisor is making the referral, he or she will not have access to the contents of the sessions. The EAP sessions may result in improved work performance and improved evaluations.

Why is a program like this needed?

Each of us, regardless of our position in our organizations, face a variety of problems in our daily lives. Usually, we can work them out. Sometimes our problems become too much for us to handle and they affect our personal happiness, our family relations, our performance at work, and even our health. When this occurs, we often need professional help in resolving them.

What kind of problems does the Employee Assistance Program deal with?

Human problems – the kinds that affect an employee’s well-being and his/her ability to perform on the job. These problems may include marital difficulties, financial or legal problems, emotional difficulties, or problems caused by alcohol or drug abuse.

But aren’t those private problems?

Certainly, but they can have an effect on the employee’s performance on the job, and even on the morale of fellow workers and the overall effectiveness of the organization. The intent of the EAP is to prevent that from happening. It’s an offer of a helping hand – not an attempt to pry or punish. The program is strictly confidential and voluntary. The employer sponsors the EAP program but does not get involved in the counseling process.

What about family problems?

The EAP program applies to the spouse and family. Since an employee’s personal well-being and work performance can be affected by the problems of a spouse or a dependent, family members can also be helped through the EAP program.

What about work-related problems?

Your EAP counselor could be helpful in finding better ways of handling your difficulties at work. You might need help in handling interpersonal conflict, help with relaxation techniques, stress control, better time management, overcoming procrastination, and many other relevant issues. Better mental health may improve your physical well-being, and your ability to focus and concentrate on your work.

Who will pay for the cost of this counseling or other professional services which might be necessary?

Your EAP program offers short-term counseling at no cost to the employee. If you and your counselor decide that you would benefit from longer-term treatment, you could then use your health insurance to help pay for further sessions.

If the program is confidential, how is it evaluated?

Periodic reports are given to the employer about the number of employees using the program. No names or other identifying information is included.