Employee Assistance Programs

Posted April 09, 2021

Employees face a variety of problems that impact their ability to contribute in the workplace. Many of these problems are related to their physical and—importantly—mental health. According to the American Psychiatric Association, in a given year, 1 in 5 adults in the United States experience some form of mental illness, while 8.5% have a substance abuse disorder. These numbers include a sizable proportion of the workforce—and can be a detriment to both employees and their employers. On top of substance abuse and mental health, employees face many personal challenges, which are core threats to employee health and wellness. These include financial problems, personal conflict, work-related stress and more. However, employers can take steps to support their employees and mitigate these adverse effects by offering an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

An EAP is an employer-sponsored program that offers services to help employees identify and address personal problems. These are offered at no cost to employees and are designed to aid employees facing a variety of personal struggles, including mental health, alcohol and drug abuse, and more. An EAP can be an excellent benefit for employees—but can also positively impact the bottom line of an organization.

The question for employers to consider is not just whether they should offer an EAP, but how to maximize the impact it can bring to their organization. When considering how best to utilize an EAP, HR professionals and leaders should have a basic understanding of what EAPs are, as well as how to design, implement, manage and evaluate the program on an ongoing basis. Whether your benefits offerings currently include an EAP or you are considering offering this program—this toolkit offers resources and considerations to aid your organization.

Download the full Employee Assistance Programs PDF

For more information, contact Horst Insurance today.