How to use Employee Assistance Programs
Table of Contents
What is an EAP?
An Employee Assistance Program, or EAP, is like a complimentary toolbox provided by your workplace, filled with all kinds of valuable resources to help you (and potentially your loved ones) personally and professionally. EAPs are often free and include things like mental health support, familial aid, and financial counseling services.
According to Mental Health America, almost 100% of mid-to-large companies in America offer EAPs, but only around 4% of employees use them. Part of that low usage comes from people simply not knowing they have access to EAPs.
Another factor can be fear that what they discuss through their EAP will get back to their employer. On the contrary, the services included in EAPs are confidential, and it’s illegal for an EAP to share any information you disclose with your employer.
What’s included in EAPs?
There’s no standard for what’s included in an EAP. Usually, there’s a whole roster of resources available to help you tackle some of the hurdles of work and life. A few common EAP offerings include:
You may have access to even more programs, like legal aid, elder care assistance, and housing support. In many cases, your dependents will also have access to these programs.
The exact EAP benefits you’ll have are decided by your employer and the program they choose. It’s best to check with your human resources department for the full rundown.
How do you use an EAP?
Usually, instructions for accessing your EAP and the details of what’s included can be found in an employee handbook or online portal.
If you have trouble locating those things on your own, you can always get more information from your employer or HR department. They should be able to provide you with a full list of what’s available and guidance on how to use the program.
Once you’ve located your EAP information, it can be helpful to keep it bookmarked or write down the web address and any other relevant information. That way, if you ever find yourself in an emergency, everything you need will be easily available.
What are the benefits of using an EAP?
From financial counseling to career development workshops, the world of voluntary, employer-sponsored programs is your oyster.
1. Take care of your mental health
Your physical and mental health impact every aspect of your life. When you’re not feeling your best, it may be harder to be productive at work, and responsibilities at home can fall by the wayside.
EAPs help foster an environment where you can ask for help without fear of breaking the bank or word getting back to your employer. You can use some of these programs to get the care you need, like low-cost or free support services and counseling. Often, EAPs include programs for anxiety, depression, substance abuse, grief counseling, and more.
If time is a barrier to finding mental health care, you might have an EAP that offers free or reduced-cost childcare or caregiving services. They may even offer help with locating pet services.
If you’re having trouble finding a mental health provider, you could have an EAP to help you get a referral. Look into your EAP offerings — you might be surprised by what you have access to.
2. Save money
For most people, it comes as no surprise that health care expenses can add up quickly. What might come as a pleasant surprise, though, is that EAPs can help you save on all kinds of care, from free and reduced-price mental health services to complimentary wellness programs.
But it doesn’t stop there. Financial counseling programs are commonly included in EAPs and can help you learn more about saving and investing. They may even help you get more mileage out of other benefits, like retirement planning tools, 401(k) accounts, and even HSAs, if available.
3. Grow professionally
EAPs aren’t just about your health. After all, they’re called Employee Assistance Programs — and that assistance also extends to your professional life. Depending on what your employer offers, you could have access to benefits like career counseling, skill development workshops, training opportunities, and more. You might even be able to learn from home through webinars and online courses.
Your EAP can help you enhance your skills and set you up to learn new skills, further your career, and help you meet like-minded professionals. Promotion, here you come.
4. Work on self-improvement
EAPs are a holistic benefit, so they’re meant to assist with many areas of your life, including personal growth. Check with your employer to see if your EAP offers self-improvement workshops, stress management programs, soft skill workshops, and more.
Remember, EAPs are confidential, so whatever services and resources you use cannot be shared with your employer.
How do you use an EAP?
Usually, instructions for how to access your EAP and the details of what’s included can be easily found in an employee handbook or online portal.
If you don’t have any luck locating either of those on your own, you can always get more information from your employer or HR department. They can provide you with a full list of what’s available, and guidance on how to use the program.
Remember, your EAP use is totally confidential, so you don’t have to worry about anything getting back to your employer.
ALEX
EAPs? More like EA yes, please!