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How to manage an Employee Assistance Programme

How to effectively manage an EAP

Whilst Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) are a relatively low-cost benefit compared with others, the impact they can have is high. The financial benefits of EAPs are well-documented – increased productivity, reduced sickness absence, reduced PMI (Private Medical Insurance), psychiatric costs and so on. However, these gains can only be realised if employees know an EAP is available and proactively use it.

Here are Ceridian’s Top Tips to help you effectively manage an EAP.

Devise a communication strategy

Communication should not focus solely on the launch, although this is important. Regular ongoing communications should be planned throughout the year with the aim to highlight any changes to the programme, and importantly, what is on offer and how it can be accessed.

Line Managers are usually the first to know when an employee has a work or personal issue, so it is important that they attend any manager briefings at launch and that there is also regular ongoing manager-focused communication.

Overcome the stigma

EAPs are not just for people with problems – and it is important that you promote this message within your organisation. Everybody, almost on a daily basis, can use the resources an EAP provides to help improve quality of life. For example, employees can proactively seek information and support to tackle a situation before it has an impact upon their work or personal life. Encouraging employees to use the EAP for an everyday issue will also help to build their trust in the service and ensure they know how to use it when they really need to for emotional support.

Monitor utilisation and awareness

If you understand the management information relating to EAP utilisation then you’ll be able to highlight areas of concern and react proactively to any issues – before they have a further impact on productivity or absence. For example, stress awareness workshops can be organised in response to a rise in stress-related calls.

Also, a quick web-based survey could be used to gain a measure of your employees’ awareness of the service and of the areas in which they can seek information and support. The results of these two measures can shape your ongoing communications strategy and activity.