Employee Assistance Programs: Some Basics

An EAP is a work-site-based program to assist: (1) the work organization in addressing productivity issues, and; (2) employee clients in identifying and resolving personal concerns that may affect job performance. (International Employee Assistance Professionals Association, 1998)

• EAPs are confidential. . . The identities of EAP participants are protected by confidentiality laws. Confidentiality is also assured by the MCPS EAP policy.
• EAPs are without cost to employees and family members. Employees are responsible for the cost of services to which they might be referred by the EAP. EAPs help employees find affordable services to match their circumstances and ability to pay.
• EAPs do not interfere with administrative or supervisory practices. The EAP will not interfere with your job as a supervisor. The EAP may offer to consult and coaching help on managing a troubled employee, but it will not tell you what type of discipline to use nor direct your managerial decisions.

It’s True…
EAPs are not “benefit programs” in the typical sense. They are pro-employee and pro-organization management tools that benefit everyone.