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 What is the “Employment Assistance Programme” or “EAP”?
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Why were “EAPs” started?
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Why would
someone need “EAP” services?
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What are
some signs that I may need help?
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Who is
the “EAP” for and who uses the “EAP”?
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Who else can use the “EAP”? Can my family use the “EAP”
services?
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What kinds of problems can the “EAP” help me with?
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Will my boss or anyone else know when I have visited the “EAP”?
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How much will I have to
pay?
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What kinds of
services are available?
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What does membership
include?
ANSWERS
What is the “Employment Assistance Programme” or “EAP”?
Employee Assistance Programs (or EAPs) are non-profit agencies
that provide counseling services for many sensitive issues. Each
agency operates individually, but within guidelines of the
internationally recognized EAP organization. In the Cayman
Islands, a large number of private companies, together with the
Government, have come together to provide this vital service. We
are financially supported by a minimal fee, based on the number of
company employees. The EAP helps businesses achieve maximum
productivity from their valued employees by assisting individuals
with personal or social problems. While we do offer career
counseling, we are not an employment agency, as some believe.
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Why were
“EAPs” started?
In 1917, Macy’s Department Store in New York City was the first
company to establish counseling programs for their employees.
However, it wasn’t until the 1970’s that the term “Employee
Assistance Programs” became common. Alcoholism had become such a
problem that managers had to prohibit drinking on the job due to
severe accidents. In the past, it has been standard procedure for
corporations to fire their “troubled employees.” Now there is an
expanding belief and a growing number of studies that show it may
be more cost effective to direct employees into counseling or
treatment, through programs such as an EAP. A comprehensive survey
of Fortune 500 Companies conducted by the National Institute of
Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism found an increase in EAPs from 25
percent in 1972 to 57.7 percent in 1979.
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Why would someone
need “EAP” services?
Personal problems, health conditions and drug/alcohol abuse have
the potential of affecting work performance. It is estimated that
18% of the work force have personal problems that can decrease
their productivity by as much as 25%. Absenteeism and tardiness is
often excessive. An employee’s personal problem is likely to cause
stress, anxiety, depression or even physical illness. An effective
EAP can help prevent or improve medical and emotional problems by
reductions in sickness, absenteeism, turnover, medical claims,
terminations, overtime costs, and manager’s time saved. Health
agencies and insurance companies have estimated that every dollar
spent for EAP services can save at least $5 in future health and
emotional treatment costs.
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What are some signs that I may need help?
Emotional - anger, hostility, emotional withdrawal, flat
affect, frustration.
Physical - heart disease, headaches, stomach distress, loss
of libido, sleep disturbances.
Familial - infidelity, marital/family problems, separation,
divorce.
Behavioral - absenteeism, alienation, alcohol or drug
abuse, “burn out.”
Psychological - anxiety, depression, paranoia, suicidal
thoughts.
Criminal - shoplifting, theft, assault.
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Who is the
“EAP” for and who uses the “EAP”?
The EAP is a confidential resource for employees, designed to
enhance quality of life. The benefits spin off to the employer
with higher levels of productivity in the workplace, and to the
wider community, with its positive impact on families and general
society. The system is heavily dependent on “self-referrals” as
employees request help from the EAP on their own when
problems/difficulties surface. The EAP is designed for enlightened
work environments in which a non-punitive approach is encouraged.
Its objective is to assist employees who may be experiencing
impaired performance for reasons outside of the workplace. The EAP
is based on a system in which supervisors are also trained how to
identify employees for referral to EAP counselors, who will assess
the problems and make appropriate referrals as needed.
Who else can use the “EAP”? Can my family use the “EAP” services?
Family members can also receive help through the EAP or
participate in the employee’s counseling. Employees may enter the
program voluntarily or a manager may refer an employee. Some
important features of a good EAP are confidentiality, voluntary
participation, and assurance that an employee’s job security and
promotion are not affected because he or she is seeking help.
What
kinds of problems can the “EAP” help me with?
The EAP can help you with problems such as:
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- Emotional
- Family
- Marital
- Alcohol
- Career
- Legal
- Financial
- Medical
- Relationships
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- Parenting
- Drugs
- Retirement
- Aging
- Stress
- Adoption
- Sexuality
- Step-Parenting
- Self-Esteem
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Will my boss or anyone else know when I have visited the “EAP”?
No- this programme is confidential. When you use the EAP, no one
at work will know unless you tell them. Information is released
only with your signed consent. Most EAPs do provide their
companies with a regular reports on how many times EAP services
have been used.
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How
much will I have to pay?
Initial evaluation and counseling sessions are available to you at
no cost when you work for an enrolled employer. If your employer
is not a member, you may still use our services for a fee agreed
upon between you and the counselor. Just call for an appointment:
949-9559.
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What kinds of
services are available?
Assessment - counselors will help to identify major issues
and develop a plan of action.
Counseling - to help clients develop a better understanding
of their problems.
Management referrals - clients can be referred for help by
a work supervisor.
Referral - to resources on or off island when required.
Training Courses - provided on specific topics, or at
company request.
Counseling Groups - support groups that meet regularly for
dealing with sensitive issues.
What
does membership include?
Business membership includes, but is not limited to: One-on-one
counseling for managers, employees, and families; Semi-annual
Supervisor Training Sessions; Staff Orientations; Quarterly
Utilization Reports; Receipt of our quarterly newsletter; Access
to videos and reference materials; On-site group counseling
sessions. The membership fees are nominal -- just $25 per
full-time employee per year. In addition to the above, membership
includes full access to our popular interest groups dealing with
current issues.
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Employee Assistance Programme
Who Are We? - Who is Counseling for? - Facts about EAP - FAQ about the EAP
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