Employers typically want to get maximum effort and productivity from their employees. One strategy you can use to achieve this goal is to create a happy workplace for your employees by implementing an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Employee Assistance Program – An Overview
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a counseling and consultation service that aims to increase performance in the workplace by helping employees work through or solve their personal issues. A typical EAP program allows employees to have unlimited online and telephone support when needed. It also offers face-to-face counseling sessions to them either per year, per individual, or issue. In general, all benefits-eligible employees along with their spouses and dependents are eligible for EAP services.
How it Works
An EAP employee assistance program offers short-term support that helps employees through various issues that might affect their concentration at work. It is confidential and offers support to employees dealing with personal issues such as:
- Minor medical emergencies
- Stress management
- Illness and injury
- Financial and personal legal issues
- Marriage and family concerns
- Emotional distress
- Relationship concerns
- Grief and loss
Benefits of an EAP Plan
One of the best ways to run a successful business is by ensuring that your employees are healthy and happy. Personal problems can affect an employee’s performance. Therefore, it is a good idea to have a wellness program to keep the team happy and healthy. With this in mind, some of the key benefits of an EAP include:
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Immediate Assistance
EAP is a 24-hour service, meaning employees can access EAP services whenever they need them. This is important because it helps to avoid stress build-up, which can easily escalate to violent situations at work. Because the service is available at any time of the day, employees will not have to worry about calling from a work phone if they are not comfortable.
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Fosters a Positive Work Environment
According to an article published by Forbes, workplace stress is a real threat. Stress-related issues such as loss of productivity in the workplace, health problems, change in management, and absenteeism affects almost the entire workforce. If an employee is experiencing some level of stress, they tend to be more argumentative, defensive, and are less likely to cooperate with their colleges. EAP assistance can provide employees with an outlet to discuss and resolve their issues so that they can stay positive.
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Increases Productivity and Decreases Termination
An EAP plan ensures that an employee is less distracted by personal problems. This means that employees will be more motivated and creative at work. Employees will use fewer sick days because they will be in better mental health. Fewer absences increase productivity. An employee assistance program will help them stay happy, present, and become better team players. When employees stay positive, healthy, and give their best at work, they are more likely to keep their jobs and grow their careers. This program is especially helpful when dealing with Gen Z, who, according to the American Physiological Association (APA), tend to experience more stress and depression than any other age group and are also less hesitant to reach out for help.
An EAP might be the right step to helping the health of your employees and company. To increase your employees’ happiness and productivity, you should also consider having workers’ compensation insurance coverage. Do you need help creating a comprehensive employee benefits program for your business? If so, then contact the experts at CIA Insurance and Risk Management. Our dedicated team is eager to assist you with all your coverage needs today.
Post written by Janelle Morck, Vice President | Employee Benefits Risk Management (ERM)
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