Time for another group insurance product feature. This week we are looking at Employee Assistance Programs, what is an EAP program? how does it work? what information and services does the program offer? Here is a quick snapshot of what an EAP program is and how it can be a wonderful addition to your wellness/benefits program at your workplace.  

What is an EAP program?

An EAP, or employee assistance program, is a confidential, short term, counselling service for employees with personal problems that affect their work performance.  EAPs should be part of a larger company plan to promote wellness in the workplace, another tool in the toolbox!

What is the purpose of an EAP?

The EAP offers help with the resolution of problems that are affecting work. These problems, however, do not have to be caused by workplace issues. Employee Assistance Programs are designed to help people understand or overcome their personal problems. While most EAPs offer a wide range of services, they are really for short term issues, however, the team of professionals working for the EAP program will direct care to community resources when longer term care is required.

What types of services does an EAP offer?

The range of areas typically managed by an EAP provider include:

• Personal issues.
• Job stress.
• Relationship issues.
• Eldercare, childcare, parenting issues.
• Harassment.
• Substance abuse.
• Separation and loss.
• Balancing work and family.
• Financial or legal.
• Family violence.

Some EAP providers are also able to offer other services including retirement or lay-off assistance, and wellness/health promotion and fitness (such as weight control, nutrition, exercise, or smoking). Others may offer advice on long-term illnesses, disability issues, counselling for crisis situations (e.g., death at work), or advice specifically for managers/supervisors in dealing with difficult situations.

Who can use an EAP?

Employees and dependents.

What happens when I call an EAP? When an employee voluntarily contacts an EAP provider, a confidential record is opened. The EAP provider will collect any necessary information and, depending on the severity of the problem and the capabilities of the EAP personnel, will decide if the problem can be handled by the provider or if a referral is needed to an outside resource (such as a particular substance abuse program). 

EAP is an important part of an Employee Benefits offering.  If you would like more information about EAP programs please contact our group benefits department at Belmont. We would love to connect you to the right provider for your needs.

 

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Source Url: http://gobelmont.ca/featured-insurance-product-employee-assistance-program/