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- What is the cost-benefit of an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to your organization?
Many employers that have EAPs report at least a 4-to-1 yield on their investment. Studies by major corporations such as General Motors, McDonnell Douglas and United Airlines have documented savings due to increased productivity and reduced absenteeism, turnover and health care costs. These savings are applicable to organizations of all sizes. In addition EAPs are known to reduce employer’s disability costs, medical costs, pharmacy costs and worker’s compensation costs.
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Why should I have an EAP if mental health benefits are offered through our health insurance?
First of all, health insurance does not often cover payment for counseling related to stress, child care, elder care, financial and legal concerns. Secondly, employees are often confused about where to go for help: Do I see a psychiatrist? A lawyer? A psychologist? A social worker? An EAP can help the employee find the most appropriate, cost-effective resources. In addition to counseling benefits to employees, an EAP provides ongoing consultation to managers and supervisors.
- How is an Employee Assistance Program priced?
Depending on the size of your organization and the needs of your workforce, costs vary and are calculated on a per employee, per month basis. There are various models to choose from and the overall cost of an EAP is quite low relative to other employee benefits. Family members of the employee are also eligible to utilize the EAP.
- Will my employees use such a program?
It is estimated that approximately 5 percent of employees per year will use the services of an EAP. However, because the Employee Assistance Network (EAN) promotes the program continuously through newsletters, posters, employee and manager training, and other printed educational materials, use is often higher. EAN also designs unique services tailored to the demographics of your organization so that employees will more likely use the program.
- How long have EAPs been in existence and how many organizations purchase the benefit?
EAPs have existed for more than 30 years starting in organizations such as Kodak and DuPont. Today, 85 percent of work sites with 1,000 or more employees and 65 percent with 250–999 employees have EAPs. The popularity of the EAP benefit has increased as organizations have placed more emphasis on using benefit packages to attract and retain the best employees.
- What about a culturally diverse workforce?
EAN counselors are licensed professionals trained in workplace-based counseling and specialize in working with diverse ethnic and cultural populations. Many members of our staff are bilingual.
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