Employee Assistance Program/Worksite Wellness
Employee Assistance Services (EAP) are purchased by employers to help employees and their family members with personal problems. The EAP provides assessment and brief counseling services to employees and their family members. Individuals with mental health and substance abuse problems requiring longer-term services are referred to an appropriate provider.
The employee accesses EAP services confidentially and voluntarily, which encourages seeking assistance early in the problem, rather than later. Supervisors may refer an employee with affected work performance to the EAP.
Common reasons for seeking help through an EAP include:
- Alcohol or other drug abuse
- Depression
- Emotional crises
- Stress-related disorders
- Financial difficulties
- Legal issues
- Family, marital or parenting problems
All information is strictly between the employee and the EAP's assessment counselor. The employer does not have access to the information, except in cases where access is required by law or when a life-threatening situation exists.
Educating employees to help themselves through worksite wellness and prevention presentations is part of the EAP. Some topics are: preventing workplace violence, stress management, managing work and family, resolving workplace conflict, sexual harassment training, smoking cessation, effective communication, and strategies for keeping children drug free.