What Are the Benefits of an EAP?

In addition to health insurance, life insurance and a retirement plan, many workplaces offer an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP).

Definition

• EAPs focus on the mental health of employees. They include professional services for issues such as drug and alcohol abuse, marital difficulties, grief, severe psychological disorders, weight loss, and financial issues.

Additional Services

• Many EAPs provide additional services for managers and supervisors. For example, the United States government has an EAP for its civilian workforce. "EAP counselors also work in a consultative role with managers and supervisors to help address employee and organizational challenges and needs. Many EAPs are active in helping organizations prevent and cope with workplace violence, trauma, and other emergency response situations."

Increase Productivity

• When people have stressful situations in their personal lives, they are less productive at work. Increase productivity by improving the emotional health of employees.

Reduce Health Care Costs

• Stress and other emotional issues cause a variety of physical problems. Use the services included in the EAP to reduce emotional issues before they become physical issues. This will reduce health care costs.

Confidentiality

• Someone with a stressful personal situation may not want to seek help through the Human Resources Department at his workplace because of potential embarrassment. EAPs are administered by outside organizations that keep issues confidential.