Little-known program gives workers a place to turn when stress spikes
By Kia Croom on August 17, 2015 at 12:39 PM
When the stresses of work and home hit an all-time high, Marissa turned to the company's employee assistance program (EAP), a little known and highly underutilized employee benefit designed to help employees deal with personal issues that that can adversely impact their job performance, health and well-being.
Employee assistance programs are designed to help employees deal with personal issues that can impact their job performance, health and well-being. (Getty Images)
"My husband and I were strapped for cash since he recently took a pay cut," said the employee at a San Francisco-based bank. "Plus, I'd just received a call that our four-year-old son's daycare provider was no longer interested in providing services to him. In that moment, I thought back to employee orientation."
"I remember the facilitator describing it as a resource that offers a range of services that help employees navigate difficult situations," she said.
In tears, Marissa says she made one phone call that not only turned her day around, but also helped foster a greater appreciation for her job.
"I called and spoke to a counselor, who gave me some coping techniques and provided names and address for childcare providers in the area," she said.
Employees turn to EAP counselors for tips on work-life balance, health and fitness and assistance navigating hardships such as foreclosures and bankruptcies. EAPs offer counseling and other resources to workers looking to address and manage stress, depression and grief. In most cases, EAP hotlines provide 24-hour access to licensed therapists and counselors. All information exchanged is confidential.
Although a number of companies offer EAPs, many employees do not take advantage of their services. Data compiled by EAP Technology Systems Inc. shows just three percent of employees use EAP services.
SFGATE spoke with a local vendor of EAP services who says with regard to EAP services, for many workers the idea is 'out of sight, out of mind'.
"People don't think about EAP services until they need them. So they don't really pay attention too much otherwise, at least until something happens."
Research shows EAPs also yield a number of benefits for employers. According to the U.S. Department of Labor study "What Works: Workplaces without Drugs," for every dollar invested in an EAP, employers generally save anywhere from $5 to $16.
Data provided by Interface EAP shows employee use of EAPs results in a 66 percent decline in absenteeism after alcohol abusers have been identified and treated; 75 percent reduction in inpatient alcohol and other drug abuse treatment costs; 33 percent decline in use of sickness benefits; 65 percent decline in work-related accidents and 30 percent decline in workers' compensation claims.
As for Marissa, she swears by her employer's EAP and is not ashamed to say she uses it frequently.
"I'm not ashamed to seek help from the EAP. No one should be," she said. "It's been a great resource for my family that has really helped us get a handle on stress."
Kia Croom
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