Employee assistance programs, or EAPs, can be a valuable component to any business. Although these programs may appear to be economically unfeasible for small businesses, there are many ways to provide these services to your employees. No matter how an EAP is set up, it’s important for business owners and managers to know what EAPs can do for them, and how to establish one.

EAPs have developed into quite an outreach program for employees with all kinds of personal problems such as health, marital, family, financial, drug/alcohol, legal, emotional or stress issues. Employers often don’t know what to say or do when these types of problems are brought up or affect job performance. Some have terminated these workers and started fresh with new ones. In some cases, this may work. However, it often makes better sense -- from both a business and humanitarian point of view -- to help employees overcome their problems.

An EAP is defined as a job-based program intended to assist management in addressing productivity issues and workers in identifying and resolving personal concerns. EAPs can actually be cost-effective, because they help retain employees while reducing accidents, workers’ compensation claims, absenteeism and employee theft. They also contribute to improved productivity and morale.

Jeff Young, Director of EAP Systems of the Health Alliance, says, "EAPs help employers maintain a safe, healthy and productive workforce. Because of the low cost of these programs you have to ask yourself, ‘Why would I not do this?’ It makes so much sense and is such a great resource."

For an EAP to be successful, your employees must view it as a confidential source of help that will not jeopardize their job. But, on the other hand, they should realize the EAP would not shield them from disciplinary action for continued poor performance.

If you are considering starting an EAP, it’s a good idea to contact other companies in your area to learn about their programs -- what’s offered, how it’s delivered, the costs involved and the results. You can also contact the Health Alliance EAP Systems at (513) 942-3271 for a free consultation.

If you have a small business, the services normally provided in an EAP can often be found right in your community. You might simply keep a folder with listings of available resources to employees, and help them connect with these services. It's good business sense to provide the resources to help your employees solve the problems that can affect your bottom line.

SOURCE: Working Partners for an Alcohol-and Drug-Free Workplace

The occupational health specialists of Alliance Health for Business, working with other Health Alliance network providers, place a strong emphasis on prompt and appropriate return-to-work. To find out more about Alliance Health for Business services, call 513-585-9400.