An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a voluntary, work-based program that offers free and confidential consultations, assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services to employees who have personal and/or work-related problems. Most EAP programs also cover family members living in the employees home and all EAPs address a broad and complex body of issues affecting mental and emotional well-being, such as alcohol and other substance abuse, stress, grief, family problems, and psychological disorders.
All interaction with employees is strictly confidential and no personally identifiable information is ever shared with the employer.
EAP counselors can also work in a consultative role with managers and supervisors to address employee and organizational challenges and needs. EAPs are active in helping organizations prevent and cope with workplace violence, trauma, and other emergency response situations.
Employees burdened with the stresses of life can be less productive when they keep those stresses to themselves. Offering your employees access to an EAP program can help improve employee morale, productivity, and the general work environment by providing a constructive outlet for stress.
