Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Employee Assistance Programs, or EAPs, are implemented by companies to maintain a productive and smoothly operating work environment. The goal of an EAP is to provide services that are beneficial for both employee and the company. Such services include consultation for management, brief assessment, problem solving and referrals for employees.  As a result, employees take less time away from work due to personal matters, and are more likely to return to work with optimal mental strength.

Employees have problems of “everyday living”. From time to time, these problems become unmanageable. Here are some of the reasons a company may need an Employee Assistance Program:

• Increased Morale and Workplace Harmony – when an employee is happy and healthy, not only does productivity increase but an overall positive workplace environment is created.
  
• Improve Productivity – when an employee is dealing with personal issues, his or her productivity in the workplace often diminishes as a result.

• Reduced Absenteeism – when absenteeism is reduced, it not only increases productivity of the department or company, but it also boosts workplace morale to see a fellow colleague happy to be at work and in a more positive mood.

• Reduced Company Costs – as productivity is compromised, the company experiences financial losses. Managing personal and work related stress increases focus and productivity in the workplace.

• Referrals – EAPs help connect employees out to third party agencies that specialize in providing the specific type of care they need.

• Reduced Turnover – high turnover can be costly for the company. EAPs manage work related and personal stress thus reducing the likelihood of employee turnover

• Reduced Accidents at Work – When you are stressed, you are likely to be less focused. Thus, it is easy to see how accidents can happen at work. EAPs help reduce the stress by teaching coping skills and helping employees implement them.

Many businesses have acknowledged the fact that life stressors may negatively impact employee concentration, performance, and overall workplace environment. Today, many companies provide EAP services for their employees.

If you or your company wants EAP services, the following are a few of the services Anita Avedian, MFT,  offers:

• Personal Consultation and Referral – encompasses crisis intervention, short term solutions-oriented consultation, and referrals for any additional treatment. In-person consultations ranging from one to three sessions is encouraged, and fifty minute phone consultations are done on a warranted basis.

• Case Management – Follow up contacts with a referred employee and his or her treatment provider to monitor progress and any additional needs, with client approval.

• Management Consultation – In-person consultation and coaching to managers/supervisors and labor representatives to address personal or performance difficulties of their employees.

• Training – On-site training including employee orientation, supervisor/manager and labor representative training, and focused educational presentations on topics for them.

• Crisis Intervention- From time to time, a crisis occurs within a company or its departments. It is important to call in a professional such as an EAP provider to intervene and help the employees and management.

Keep in mind that all sessions with employees and management are kept confidential. No information is released without a signed consent, except in cases where the provider is mandated to report.  It is recommended that employees voluntarily seek EAP services, and not be mandated to attend. Although clients are sometimes referred to the program by family, supervisors, co-workers, human resources, medical staff and other health care professionals, receiving services from EAP is strictly voluntary.