WHAT IS AN EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a service provided by employers to help employees maintain their mental health and well-being. 

 

HOW DOES AN EAP HELP?

EAP counselling helps employees deal with issues which are occurring in their private lives or in the workplace.  Those issues could be causing anxiety and stress, depression, anger or inappropriate or dysfunctional behaviour such as alcohol or other drug misuse. Employees may be experiencing relationship breakdowns or other problems at home such as their relationship with their children.  Employees who experience bullying or harassment, may want to talk about it in a safe place ensuring confidentiality, with somebody not directly involved, who can be objective.  A confidential counselling service helps employees deal with confronting issues and helps them get back to leading a happy and productive life at home and at work.

 

A confidential counselling service also helps employers through positive outcomes, with:

• Happier employers who have benefited from the counselling,

• Employees who feel more secure and are better able to concentrate on their work.

• Fewer people taking less time off work and a higher capacity for the organisation to deliver. 

HOW DOES AN EAP WORK?

EAP provides a set number of sessions to help employees or members of their family, on work related or personal issues.  The counselling sessions are paid for by the Employer and the number of sessions available depend on the employer but are usually around six.  After the last counselling session, some employers may allow for an extension of the number of sessions.

 

I am flexible with the services I provide.  In emergency situations I am available after hours, and on weekends.  I provide off-site face to face, phone, and video counselling from my own consulting room.  I can provide on-site services and attend critical incidents. 

 

EAP FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

For small businesses who have a limited budget, I can set up an EAP system tailored to their need.  It can be a fee for service only system, where there is a fixed rate per session, and no up-front fees or retainers.