Now that the Departments of Labor and Treasury have clarified how EAPs can co-exist with employer health plans under the Affordable Care Act, it’s a good time to consider adding one of these valuable programs to your benefits package.
An employee assistance program, properly implemented, can provide a significant return on investment and can help you raise the productivity of your workforce, lower absenteeism rates, reduce accidents and help resolve workplace conflicts and complaints. An EAP is a voluntary, work-based program that offers free and confidential assessments, and follow-up services to employees who have personal and/or work-related problems. EAPs handle a broad and complex body of problems that affect mental and emotional wellbeing, such as alcohol and other substance abuse, stress, grief, family problems, and psychological disorders.