Employee assistance programs can help you and your family tackle difficult life challenges. If you are employed by a company that offers an EAP and are eligible for this service, consider using it as an extra form of personal and professional support. Even if you do not have a covered issue currently, you can always work toward self-improvement. EAPs help you create positive changes that support you and your family’s well-being.
How Can EAP Help?
Employee assistance programs can help you move through personal and professional hurdles. Do you have a family member struggling with depression? Or a partner who has been out of work? Companies and organizations offer employee assistance programs because they recognize that you are a human first and an employee second. Here is a list of issues that employee assistance programs can help you to move through:
- Abuse
- Addiction
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Caregiving
- Challenging changes
- Eldercare
- Emergencies
- Financial problems
- Job burnout
- Parenting
- Relationship struggles
- Self-improvement
- Stress
- Suicidal thoughts
- Work disputes or issues
This list is by no means exhaustive, but it gives you a sense of the breadth of issues that EAP can help you and your family to address.
How Does it Work?
If you or your family members would like to make use of an EAP program, all you have to do is pick up the phone and call an EAP number. You do not need to go through your supervisor or human resources professional — you can literally dial in and set up a time to talk. It’s important to note that your phone conversations are completely private; your anonymity is of the highest importance. EAP professionals may meet you in an environment that works best for you (their office or your workplace) or may talk with you over the phone.
What Are the Advantages of EAP?
Anyone working for a company that offers EAP can reap the advantages of a free, immediate and supportive service. First, EAP personnel will get back to you quickly, especially regarding urgent matters. It can often take a lot of time to find a mental health professional to speak to, but EAP makes that easy! Second, EAP support is typically free. You don’t have to pay a penny. Third, EAP professionals help you not only in the moment, but will also give you an array of resources and referrals that assist long-term progress. Lastly, the majority of EAP programs are available to your family, too. You can give your children or partners the phone number, or lead them in that direction if they have an emergency or need a helping hand.
Does your company offer EAP services? Check your onboarding package or investigate your company’s human resources website to find out if you are eligible for this support. Employee assistance programs can help you and your family chart a positive path, regardless of the challenges you face along the way.
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