Employee assistance programs (EAPs) offer services to help employees cope with difficult work or family situations, stress, mental health issues, and drug and alcohol addiction.

Contract with an employee assistance plan provider to keep your employees productive through difficult times. Knowing that you, as the employer, care about their well-being will increase employee morale. Some services provided by employee assistance plans include:

1. Drug and alcohol counseling.

2. Mental health services.

3. Services to help with work/life balance.

Having a good EAP in place will not only help you retain staff members, but will show them you care when they're facing obstacles or are facing difficult situations..

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use the Internet to search for employee assistance plan providers

Start your search for employee assistance plan information with a national directory.

I recommend: The Employee Assistance Professionals Association provides licensing and lists licensed EAPs by areas served and specialties. Datalinks provides a national directory. EAP Quotes sends you quotes from employee assistance plan providers based on a short questionnaire.

Find assistance plans for employees that specialize in small business

EAPs that are targeted to small business can better understand your employees' unique needs and can offer a pricing plan that is affordable.

I recommend: Connections has programs specifically designed to meet the needs of small and more rural employers. Human Development Company Inc. has services designed to meet the needs of companies with fewer than 100 employees.

Look for employee assistance plans that offer child and elder care services

Looking for care for a child or an elderly parent can take a lot of your employees' time and attention. Make it easier for them by contracting with an EAP who provides assistance in these areas.

I recommend: Inova Employee Assistance can assist in locating child, elder, or pet care. WorkLife Services and People Resources can initiate a search for qualified child or elder care.

Search for EAPs that offer stress debriefing

Critical incidents in your workplace or community, like accidents, death, or catastrophes, can cripple your workforce. An EAP that specializes in critical incident stress debriefing services can help your employees cope.

I recommend: Lifeworks, Horizon Health, and the Village Employee Assistance Program offer critical incident stress debriefing services.

Make sure the EAP is available

Look for convenience when your evaluate assistance plans for employees. Twenty-four-hour service is a must. Online self-help tools and resources offer additional convenience.

I recommend: Alliance Work Partners has self-care tools on their website. ComPsych features an interactive service called GuidanceResources Online.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check to be sure that the EAP's network includes therapists and resources that are local to you. You don't have to go with a local EAP to get local service.ice.
• •  Make sure your employees are aware of the service. Use posters, assemblies, and newsletters. Stress the fact that the service is completely confidential.