What is an EAP?
An Employee Assistance Program is an offered benefit that is designed to aid employees with resolving personal matters that could be adversely impacting their lives. EAPs are offered by the employer at no cost to the employee.
Why is an EAP important?
Recognition and treatment of mental health is a top priority in today’s employment world. American Psychological Association conducted a survey in 2021 that showed “nearly 3 in 5 employees said they have experienced negative impacts of work-related stress in the past month and 87% of employees think actions from their employer would help their mental health.” Providing employees with access to an EAP is a perfect way for an employer to show that action. The International Journal of Health & Productivity showed a 22% increase in life satisfaction when employees use EAP services.
An EAP is not only for mental health. These programs also provide access to resources that aid in child or elderly care, special needs and gifted children programs, financial tips, college and university searches, how-to advice on traveling abroad, and much more. It is a widely recognized fact that happy employees are more productive than unhappy ones.
How does StaffScapes, Inc use their EAP?
StaffScapes, Inc. offers an EAP to all our client’s employees. Using our EAP is as easy as logging into our Guidance Resources portal and selecting which areas you would like to get more information on.
Our HR team recommends using EAP in many circumstances. The following are a few broad examples of situations that we would recommend using our EAP for:
– An employee has just expressed to you that they are having difficulty moderating their alcohol intake and it is starting to affect their life in and out of work. – An employee has just lost a loved one and is going through the grieving process.
– Your co-worker just informed you that their sibling is adopting a child and expressed concern that they do not know how to prepare food that is safe for this child’s allergies while babysitting.
– Your team was just presented with an international project that will have the team presenting to other cultures and they should conduct cultural assimilation training.
Although every EAP is not the same and does not offer the same resources, we highly recommend considering using an EAP as an added benefit for your employees.