HR Connect with Upali Rathnayake

Employee assistance programs (EAPs)

Introduction

Employee assistance programs (EAPs), and office-based services, support employees who are dealing with personal or professional difficulties that could be harmful to their performance, mental health, or general well-being. Employers frequently include employee assistance programs in the benefits packages they provide to their employees. These initiatives are made to assist workers in resolving a variety of issues that may be affecting their general health and productivity. Both employees and employers benefit from the EAP effort, and some of the major advantages are listed below.

·         Enhance Productivity.

·         Engagement and Loyalty.

·         Support to maintain work-life balance.

·         Less expensive.

 

How HRM can support EAP?

As EAPs play a vital role in EAP programs Human resources management must play a much bigger role in promoting a healthy work environment. Show below are some of the key initiatives that HRM needs to implement under EAPs,

1.      Conducting Wellness Programs – It is important for organizations to identify the required training or programs which help employees to get motivated and the execution of the development program needs to conduct and follow up by the HRM.

2.       Maintain confidentiality – It is super important to maintain the confidentiality of the program as many are not willing to discuss personal matters in the open world.

3.      Development of necessary programs –  Even though It’s a tricky subject as a function HRs need to develop EAP programs with the global changes, and country changes.

4.      Communication and Education – Even though there are programs many people are not willing to go through either unaware of the program due to lack of communication and education. Therefore, once the EAP programs in place it needs to properly communicate, and it is HRM’s duty.

5.       Review the progress and do the necessary changes – When the programs are up and running it’s so important to review the buildup as it can help HRM to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the program. Based on the review outcome HRM can further finetune their methods accordingly. 

With the difficulties of today, many multinational corporations have begun to create or run EAP programs for the benefit of their employees. it benefits both sides in a win-win situation. Additionally, a company with less costs may have the chance to increase employee engagement and loyalty to the company.

 

Key benefits of  EAPs

1.       Increase in Productivity - Employees who are distracted by personal issues are less motivated and innovative at work. In order to cope, they may begin to take more sick days. These absences can have major implications.

2.       Employers can afford to implement it - One of the most significant advantages of employee assistance programmes can be managed with low cost. 

3.       Help Businesses Save Money - According to Statistics Canada, mental health concerns cost employers $20 billion per year and account for 75% of all short-term disability claims in Canada. It might cost you a lot of money if you don't handle mental wellness in the workplace.

4.       Encourage a positive work environment - Stress-related concerns including absenteeism, poor performance, and health problems affect not only one person but the entire

5.       Lead to Increased Employee Retention – Since EAP is creating a positive work environment is a key factor in retaining talented employees.

 

Conclusion

Stress and mental health concerns are costing any business both psychologically and financially. Employers now have a greater obligation than ever to help their employees and contribute to their well-being.  Hence, it’s very important to include an EAP in the employee benefits package.

It is inexpensive to adopt and gives considerable benefits to the employees while also contributing to the bottom line. This important programme can help you build a happy, powerful, and productive team. An EAP can be an important component of a comprehensive employee wellness programme.

 

References,

·         How Can You Promote an Employee Assistance Program(EAP)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TH1UAECT4Sk (accessed on 08^th April 2023)

 

·         https://blog.montridge.com/employee-benefits/benefits-of-employee-assistance-programs

(accessed on 08^th April 2023)