Employee Assistance Programs

When we were on the topic of employee benefits I wanted to look into the EAP a little bit more.  It interested me and I had never heard of it before.  It seems like a good program to enforce because many times employees bring their personal problems to work and it ends up impacting their work negatively.  It seems that it would be smart for employees to put this program into place so that their employees can get help if they so desire or when needed.

Sometimes life can be overwhelming.  Luckily some organizations incorporate employee assistance programs into their workplace.  EAP is defined in our book as a referral service that employees can use to seek professional treatment for emotional problems or substance abuse.  These employee benefit programs are offered by many organizations usually with health insurance plans.  They are made to help employees deal with personal problems in their life that might end up impacting their work performance.  It is usually confidential service designed to connect employees and their families with experienced counseling professionals for help with personal problems and issues.  I think that it is a good thing to be confidential because it might start gossip around the office.  If someone needs help it should be between the employee and their boss or whomever they select to assist them for getting help they deserve.  I wonder how many organizations offer this benefit.  I know I had never heard of it until now. I guess the program began in 1950's focusing mainly on alcoholism and then expanded later to drug treatment.  They now cover a bunch of different services depending on the organization.  Some have counseling, family treatments, financial help, drugs and alcohol, etc.  There are a lot of different reasons to hold EAP's within the workplace. Proactive programs work collaboratively with employers to help maintain high morale in the workplace and assist in the promotion of employee wellness. EAPs contribute to increased productivity, reduced sick leave, and reduced employee turnover.  Not only are they a positive thing for the companies financials, the help the employee out as well.  Win win in both situations.