What is an EAP?

In HR, EAP stands for "Employee Assistance Program". An Employee Assistance Program is a workplace benefit designed to provide confidential support and resources to employees facing personal or work-related challenges.

EAPs typically offer services such as counselling, mental health support, critical workplace incident support, and other resources to help employees navigate various issues that may impact their well-being and job performance.

In the event something goes wrong in your workplace, your EAP can provide early intervention and critical incident support to managers and employees immediately following the event.

The goal of an EAP is to assist employees in addressing concerns early on, promoting a healthier work environment and contributing to overall employee well-being.

An EAP provider offers face-to-face, telephone and video support services, which is particularly useful if your workplace is across multiple areas or your te

am don't work in the same place together.

If you are considering developing an EAP in your workplace, map out these important steps:

1.     Conduct an employee needs assessment - surveys or confidential interviews to gather information from your people.

2.     Define the goals & objectives of the EAP - what will this address for your employees or relevant concerns to your workplace.

3.     Create a budget - allocate resources for counselling services, training programs or external resources.

4.     Build management support - leadership endorsement is crucial for the success and implementation of the EAP.

5.     Select a service provider - find a reputable EAP provider in your area that covers the services your workplace or industry requires.

6.     HR & management involvement - ensure managers understand the process of referrals, understand confidentiality and know how to recognise the signs of when an employee may need assistance.

7.     Promote awareness - spread the word to your workforce - memo's, emails, posters and intranet announcements to reach a wide audience.

8.     Measure the success - consider utilisation rates, employee satisfaction and any positive impacts on workplace culture & productivity.

9.     Continuous improvement - by continuously assessing and improving the EAP based on feedback, changing workplace needs and emerging trends in employee well-being and mental health.

10. Engage a HR Consultant - if your workplace doesn't have a HR department or you want an experienced team to develop your Employee Assistance Program, consider engaging EPS to implement this workplace benefit in your business!