Employee Assistance Programs Continued…

The premise of an employee assistance program is to protect the stability of industry and the community from high human and financial costs that come as a result of the following problems:

• Absenteeism


• Lateness for work


• Poor productivity


• High staff turnover


• Friction between employer and employee


• Accidents in the workplace

EAPs are early intervention programs. The hope is that in offering the option of professional assistance to employees and their families these difficulties can be resolved before they impact an employee's work performance.


Employee Assistance Program Principals

The six employee assistance principles are:

• Free – the services are offered at no charge to employees


• Confidential – all client names and information are and remain confidential


• Voluntary – use of these services is always voluntary


• Professional – EPA counselors are professionally qualified


• Brief Intervention – each client can receive up to 10 hours per year


• Family Coverage – the employees' families have access to the EAP services as well

How it Works

Most companies will assign an account manager who learns the corporate culture of each company in order to be better equipped in handling workplace problems. These managers will promote workplace coordination, violence prevention, substance abuse management and quality assessment and referral. The assessment and referral process includes assessment of whatever issue is plaguing the employee, short-term counseling and, if needed, a referral to an appropriate service provider.

Should a referral be necessary, the account manager will match the client with the appropriate service considering clinical needs, location choices, health insurance coverage and financial resources that are available to the client. These services are available 24 hours a day via a toll-free number.

Notable Organizations Dedicated to High Standards in Human Services

The Employee Assistance Society of North America (EASNA) - EASNA promotes high and fair standards in employee assistance practices.

The Employee Assistance Professionals Association (EAPA) - EAPA promotes high standards of practice to its members and continuation in development of employee assistance programs and professionals.

National Counsel on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) - NCADD promotes support and implementation services focused on alcohol and drug abuse or addiction.

By Lisa Sharp