The workplace environment can be stressful if the employees do not receive proper support services. The employers should use EAP solutions to handle health and wellness issues of their employees. Following are some key points that buyers of EAP solutions need to know about the EAP providers.
What Is EAP?
It is an employer supported program to solve, prevent and manage personal, workplace, substance abuse and mental health issues of the employees. It helps increase productivity at the workplace and improve performance of the employees. EAP is also known as member assistance program and employee family assistance program.
Why Businesses Buy the Services of EAP Providers?
Studies have proven the effectiveness of EAPs at workplaces. The negative consequences of poor health condition of employees have been documented in several studies. It affects not only the employees but their family members as well. It brings down the productivity at the workplace. Businesses can manage such issues better if they have effective EAP in place. EAPs reduce absenteeism and improve staff time. The employee benefit costs come down substantially for the employer. The employer gets three dollars worth of financial return on every one dollar invested in an EAP solution.
Selecting the Right EAP Model
There are different EAP management models. The options include external, internal and combined models. EAP programs can be managed with internal resources or outsourced to an external company. Some businesses take advantage of both options. The selection depends on the types of EAP solutions needed by an organization and its employees. The costs can increase if clinical services and extensive counseling services are needed. The support services are used to handle some types of critical incidents and difficult situations arising at the workplace.
Insurance Linked EAPs
EAPs can be integrated with insurance offerings. Insurance connected EAP solutions have emerged only recently. A comprehensive EAP offers immediate and personal support to employees facing workplace problems or mental health issues. The EAP providers devise programs for better behavioral risk management. Both short and long term counseling options are available. Follow-up services are offered to employees and their family members for both workplace and health issues. Different EAP providers provide different types and levels of solutions. They can customize their solutions as per the needs of an employer. The EAP is supported with online tools and trackers. It must be implemented and promoted properly within the organization to get full advantage of it.
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