Why is a program like this needed?
Each of us, regardless of our position in
an organization, faces a variety of problems
in our daily lives. Usually, we can work
them out. Sometimes they become too much
for us to handle and they affect our personal
happiness, our family relations, our performance
at work and even our health. When this occurs
we may need professional help in resolving
them. Without proper attention these problems
usually become worse and often lead to unpleasant
and expensive consequences. The EAP Program
was designed to reverse that process. Physicians
see many patients with medical problems that
are really the result of stress caused by
emotional and relational problems. One study
found a 47% reduction in health claims where
an EAP was being used. Companies with EAP
programs experience:
- decreased turnover
- increased job attendance and productivity
- increased motivation and morale
- a decrease in accidents and disability costs
How does the Employee Assistance Program
Work?
Your employer provides the services of qualified
counsellors at a Burden Bearers Counselling
Centre. The request for help may be initiated
by an employee calling the Counselling Centre
or by the company's designated EAP manager.
Your supervisor may encourage the use of
the EAP when a personal problem is interfering
with your job performance. They will not
attempt to diagnose or counsel employees
on personal issues. The use of the program
is voluntary; however, if the offer of help
is refused and job performance or attendance
problems continue, regular corrective procedures
may apply.
What kinds of problems with the Employee
Assistance Program deal with?
The program deals with human problems - the
kinds of concerns that affect an employee's personal well-being
and ability to perform on the job. But aren't those private problems?
Yes, however, when personal problems impact
upon an employee's job performance or the
morale of fellow workers, the EAP can be
useful in assisting the employee in dealing
with the problem. The EAP is a helping hand.
What about confidentiality?
Your counsellor is required by law to maintain
strictest confidentiality. No one in your company will receive any personal
information about you. However, provincial laws do require us
to report anyone who we believe is a risk
to harm either themselves or others.
Does the program cover family members?
Since an employee's personal well-being and
work performance can be affected by the problems
of a spouse or a dependent this program is
made available to the family within certain
limits.
Who will pay for the counselling?
Your employer will provide financing for
the major portion of each session up to a
total of 10-15 sessions. If you require further
help, the program may cover a percentage
of your cost.
Does this mean that our organization has
an unusual number of employees with problems?
Not at all. It simply means that your company
cares about its employees. When an employee
has problems it makes good sense for the
employer to offer to help in resolving them
as early as possible.
What about work-related problems?
The EAP is not designed to circumvent the
already existing avenues for resolving work-related
problems.
If the problem is entirely confidential,how
will it's success be evaluated?
Periodic reports will be prepared regarding
the number of employees using the program.
No names or other identifying information
will be included. If an employee wants the Company to be
notified if their progress in resolving a
problem or if special considerations need
to be made that affect work, such as a leave
of absence, this can be worked out with the
counsellor and management.
Upon termination of the counselling
process
clients will be invited to complete
an anonymous
evaluation form which will be
forwarded to
the Director of the Counselling
Centre and
the company's EAP Advisory Committee
or Director.
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