Employee Assistance Program Definition
An employee assistance program, in simpler words, is a work-based management program that aids employees in addressing the challenges they face on the professional front.
If asked, you will get to know that every employee is facing one or another problem, which often does not let them be their best productive selves. This is when the employee assistance program (EAP) comes into the picture.
EAP is no less than a perk for employees. If you prioritize the mental health and social well-being of your people, it is high time for you to implement an employee assistance program.
Let’s dive in and learn the basics of this vital program!
Here, we will discover:
What is the Employee Assistance Program in HRM?
The EAP full form is employee assistance program. An employee assistance program, as the name suggests, is a type of program designed to aid working individuals in a company. The program especially benefits employees who are facing certain personal issues that are affecting them mentally, physically, and professionally.
Employees may often face several problems such as financial debts, workplace issues, efficiency problems, mental health issues, drug abuse, burnout, and big life events. No matter what your employees might be dealing with, an employee assistance program will empower them to solve problems promptly and feel good, thereby helping them to put their best foot forward at work.
Importance of Employee Assistance Program
EAP is crucial to helping working individuals balance their personal and professional lives. Given that employees are the most valuable asset of your business, it is your primary responsibility to be there for them when they are sailing through a tough time.
Here is one of the simplest employee assistance program examples:
Take the case of an employee who has a great track record in sales. Suddenly, her sales go down, and she’s not doing so well that her boss is thinking about putting her on a plan to get better. The boss doesn’t know that the worker is having a hard time because a close friend died recently. It’s hard enough to work in the morning, let alone meet sales goals. A lot of days she keeps missing work, and things are only getting worse.
It’s the job of the EAP to help the employee right away. She can talk to the EAP provider about the problem and get the right resources as soon as she feels something is wrong. With the right support, she will miss fewer days of work, start feeling better, and things will get a lot better in general.
Now you understand why an employee assistance program is important. Let’s explore more benefits of EAP in the next section!
Benefits of the Employee Assistance Program
There are many but here are the top benefits of an employee assistance program:
Less Absenteeism
Employees who do not feel considered at work mostly take unnecessary leaves. Not to forget, absenteeism can lead to bigger problems if not addressed on time. Now, you can cut down on absenteeism by putting in place EAPs. The program will provide you with the relevant information and tools to support your employees when they are in need.
Increased Efficiency
When employees have to deal with problems on both personal and professional fronts, they end up being inefficient along the way. With the help of EAPs, you can help change these trends. No matter what their problems are, EAPs will help them focus on their jobs by removing distractions that aren’t necessary.
Positive Workplace
You can tell that the workplace is not healthy if one of the employees is always worried. If they are not given the necessary support at the right time, it can affect the overall performance of your business in the long run.
When you offer employee assistance programs, your people will be less worried, more loyal to the company, and go the extra mile for organizational success.
Reduced Employee Turnover
Turnovers often cause a good amount of loss to organizations. It costs a lot and hurts your long-term sales and market position. Listening to and fixing problems with employees can keep them from leaving. Not only can EAPs help people figure out what their problems are, they can also help them find answers.
There you go!
Now you know the basics of employee assistance programs, do not hesitate to implement one in your organization as well. When you take steps to fix the problems of employees without fail, they feel respected and considered. This, in turn, will ensure 5X engagement and productivity. You can also use HROne to know the pulse of your employees and measure their real-time performance. So, when are you taking a step ahead and building a happier work environment for your people?
FAQs
1. What are the objectives of the employee assistance program?
Employee assistance programs aid employees in dealing with the issues that are affecting their jobs.
2. What are the benefits of employee welfare activities?
Welfare activities allow working individuals to live richer and happier lives.