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What Are Employee Assistance Programs?

More than 97% of companies invest in Employee Assistance Programs, or EAPs. By providing a variety of programs for employees, EAPs allow employers to give their team even more benefits.


If your business hasn't looked into EAPs yet, it may be time to do so. 2020 has been a hectic year, and EAPs can help you address several problems that may have come about in your employees' lives. Here is a brief overview of the benefits of an EAP.


Employee Assistance Program Overview


Per the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), an EAP is a "voluntary, work-based program that offers free and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services to employees who have personal and/or work-related problems."


EAPs provide employees resources and tools that can help with a variety of mental and emotional well-being challenges that may come up at work or home, such as workplace trauma, stress, family issues, grief, and substance and alcohol abuse.


These resources can provide support in the form of counseling, coaching, and human resources solutions.


What Are the Benefits of Employee Assistance Programs?


There are a wide range of resources offered through EAPs, which means there are a great deal of benefits to using them.


For one, investing in an EAP will show your employees that you care. The more resources that employers provide, the more they'll show employees that they're putting them first. That said, offering additional perks, such as an EAP, can also help with employee retention and recruitment.


EAPs can also help you build a healthier workplace. The counselors and staff that are available via an EAP have a collaborative relationship with employers, managers, and supervisors. By working hand-in-hand, you can identify and address potential challenges that employees may be facing within your organization.


Finally, EAPs can help your business prepare for and get through difficult situations, such as the current pandemic. By providing additional health services, you'll be helping your employees get through even the toughest of scenarios.


Where Can I Learn More About Employee Assistance Programs?


If you're going to implement an EAP to better support your team, you need to have a reliable human resources team.


Employers that do not have a human resources team, or access to an EAP, can reach out to SynchronyHR. Our professional team of HR experts can help your company make the most of EAPs.


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