What Are Employee Assistance Programs?

Employee Assistance Programs, commonly referred to as EAPs, can be added to your Group Benefit plan as an additional benefit. Employee Assistance Programs offer employees access to free confidential assessments, short-term counseling and expert assistance for a full range of personal issues and/or work-related problems.

Importance of EAP

Depression will rank second to heart disease as the leading cause of disability worldwide by the year 2020 which can significantly impact the workplace through absenteeism, workplace conflict, turnover and greater risk of accidents.

Organizations are understanding the importance of a cohesive workforce and are consequently putting more emphasis on psychological health.

55% of employers have or will implement a program to support their employees’ psychological health. Organizations that value and improve the health of their workforce will have an easier time attracting and retaining qualified employees.

Employees with more psychological support will perform more effectively at work, home and in the community. Healthy employees are your most valued asset. When you create a safe and healthy company culture it increases job satisfaction, job commitment and productivity in your workplace. 

When you create a safe and healthy company culture it increases job satisfaction, job commitment and productivity in your workplace. 

Cost of an EAP

An EAP is an added value program that complements the current benefits in your Group Benefit plan.

There are usually two options for an EAP, a basic plan and a more comprehensive plan. Each insurance company has their own name and cost for these plans. In general, the basic EAP program is $3.00 a month per plan member and the more comprehensive EAP program is $4.50 a month per plan member.

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