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Business Asset--EAP Counseling Benefit by Karen Fattorosi
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Location: Blogs Webster University Business Experts |
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| Posted by: Webster University |
11/9/2007 |
I was called to a business recently for a Crisis Debriefing after a traumatic workplace event. While talking to employees I was surprised to learn that many did not know that their workplace benefits included counseling services that can be used for mental health issues whether they are work related or personal.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) are used for "supervisory referrals" when a problem manifests itself in the workplace and an employee is "sent" for counseling. Anger management work or stress reduction might be necessary to help the employee work through workplace issues. Supervisory referrals are actually a very small percentage of EAP referrals to a counseling practice.
My counseling practice includes several EAPs that refer employees to my practice for counseling on relationship issues, marriage counseling, anxiety, depression, dealing with adolescents, grief, trauma, illness, parenting--the list goes on and on. Many EAP programs also provide financial counseling, legal consultations, and varied other services. Typically EAP are services free; they require no copay and no deductible. They can be used before regular mental benefits are used at the usual costs. Often issues are resolved using the EAP benefit.
The larger employers in the Ocala area have comprehensive EAP programs. The Marion County School System, the hospitals, County and City government, Judicial system, State Government and services, are a few. Many smaller businesses also provide programs.
Business management has long ago realized that productivity, attendance, work readiness, and commitment are all enhanced when mental health needs of employees are addressed and resolved.
If you are in management and have EAP resources, remind your employees that they are available and confidential. If you are an employee, inquire through your Human Resources Department the next time you hear yourself say:
"I'd like to talk to someone about that"
"I don't like feeling this way"
"We need some other ideas to resolve this" or
"I've done the best I can and it isn't getting me where I want to go." |
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