Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

At a Glance
An employee assistance program counsels and assists workers who are experiencing issues that may subtract from their job performance. These issues may include:

• Substance abuse


• Balancing work and family


• Job stress


• Relationships


• Parenting


• Harassment


• Separation and loss


• Family violence

It is not necessary for an EAP to maintain a counseling staff. But it should have a good network to these providers in your business’ area, and be able to channel employees to the appropriate services quickly, effortlessly and in the strictest confidence.

Human resources experts agree that the money for an EAP is well-spent only if the service is used. For an EAP to be successful, experts advise that it maintain strict confidentiality, receive the support of top management and employees alike, is made available without fear of recrimination, and communicates well.

Do I need it?
The short answer is no – an EAP is not a requirement to run your business. An EAP program can, however, provide meaningful assistance in handling the employee or personnel issues that you face. You simply need to evaluate the cost of the EAP program against the benefits you believe the program will provide your employees.

If your business has recently undergone a potential stress-producing change, such as adding staff or relocating — or if you are just considering one — it could be a good time to evaluate your EAP, or introduce one.

How do I buy it?
EAPs are provided by specialty firms. Although you can secure EAP services separately, in many cases they are provided as part of a package from an insurance broker; the EAP firm’s fee is included in the insurance cost.

The ‘packaged’ approach be valuable to a small-business owner, as long as the proposed EAP has a good reputation for being responsive and pro-active, is accessible and maintains easy-to-follow procedures. Your insurance representative should be able to let you know whether such a service can be added to your current package.

If your business already has an EAP, you should evaluate it annually to make sure it is meeting everyone’s needs.