Employee Assistance Program (As published in The Guardian of 19/07/2016)

The International Employee Assistance Professional Association defines Employee Assistance Program (EAP) as “ A worksite based program designed to assist in the identification and resolution of productivity problems associated with employees whose performance / conduct is adversely affected by personal concerns.” The Association goes on to cite some recent examples of documented EAP outcomes:

  • Chevron has recognized savings of $50,000 per case from reduced turnover due to EAP use. Chevron also reported “employee performance improved 50% following supervisor referral to the EAP”
  • An Abbott Laboratories study reported a 6 to 1 return on dollars spent for the EAP, and noted that the average employee who utilized the EAP spends $10,000 less for inpatient medical costs than non-EAP clients over a three year period.
  • Virginia Power reported a 23% reduction in medical costs for employees using the EAP.
  • Campbell soup company saved 28% in mental health costs using its EAP
  • In a landmark study, the Northwestern National Life Insurance Company noted, “Providing an Employee Assistance Program is one of the top ten actions an organization can take to reduce the potential for workplace violence”

EAP is an emerging service in Tanzania and employers are beginning to recognize the need for emotional and mental counseling for their employees. The choice of right EAP can have a positive, measurable impact on:

  • Raising the productivity of workforce
  • Lowering absenteeism rates
  • Reducing accidents
  • Resolving workplace conflicts, complaints
  • Demonstrating a significant return on investment (ROI)

Typical Services provided by an EAP are:

  • 24 hour Crisis Telephone Response – Professional EAP counselors provide live, immediate telephone crisis counseling, 24 hours/day, seven days a week.
  • Confidential Assessment and Counseling Services – Licensed, professional counselors – experienced in providing EAP services, should deliver assessment and brief, solution focused counseling.
  • Referral support, tracking and follow-up – EAP should assist with referrals for long-term or specialized care based on assessed client need, recommended treatment, client preferences, financial and other resources
  • Emergency Intervention / Critical Incident Stress Management – Onsite assistance is provided in a timely fashion for emergencies, including critical incident management, defusing and debriefing, and other crisis response needs for management and employees
  • Substance abuse expertise – EAP providers should have specific knowledge, training and experience in the assessment and treatment of chemical dependency and other addictions
  • Access to qualified EA Clinical providers – professional counselors should be available to deliver services for urgent and non-urgent services
  • Guaranteed confidential record keeping – EAP client records should be guaranteed complete privacy and protection.
  • EAP orientation for all managers and employees.
  • Supervisory – Leadership training regarding use of effective management skills in the workplace on topics such as performance based identification of troubled employees, the EAP management referral process and consultation with EAP
  • Communication / Awareness Materials – e.g. posters, wallet cards, online services and other supports to maximize awareness in the workplace and to promote easy access to EAP services and support.
  • Management communication and consultation – The EAP should provide on and offsite assistance with management referrals, “difficult” employees, workplace conflicts, return to work conferences, and other identified needs of the workplace
  • Annual and Periodic Utilization Reports – The EAP Services should provide comprehensive, user-friendly EAP utilization and activity reports customized specifically for the organization’s benefit.
  • EA Program Evaluation – Comprehensive, customized EAP service outcomes reports should be provided that track key success indicators
  • Client / Company Satisfaction Evaluation – Organization satisfaction reports should be provided

Reply back to bhakti@impactafya.com with your feedback and we welcome your suggestions for corporate wellness issues you’d like to see covered in our future columns.

 

Bhakti Shah, MPH is the Founder and Managing Director of ImpactAfya Ltd, collaborating with Workplace Options and Mayo Clinic, USA to provide Corporate Wellness and EAP Solutions in East Africa. Bhakti is also the Immediate Past President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Tanzania and the Chair for Health Concerns for Rotary District 9211.

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