What is an EAP?
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a confidential counselling service designed to offer an effective means of assisting employees with problems that may eventually affect job performance and personal well-being.
Through this program, employees, (and in some cases, their families) have access to qualified counsellors who are located outside the workplace. These counsellors are trained to help people identify and resolve their problems.
How confidential is the service?
Your EAP is totally confidential.
- There is no way that your employer can know who contacts the EAP.
- What you talk about with your counsellor is not shared with anyone else, unless you give your written permission.
- All counsellors are bound by strict professional codes of ethics and confidentiality.
Exceptions to confidentiality
Your personal information will be passed on only if:
- your file is subpoenaed; OR
- you disclose a criminal offence; OR
- you express an intention to harm yourself or another person. (In such cases your doctor or the police may be called).
What type of problems can be helped?
The broad ranging services offered by modern EAPs give employees support to deal with all types of problems. The most common problems addressed include: - Emotional stress
- Marital or family problems
- Work-related difficulties
- Career concerns
- Alcohol and other drug issues
- Coping with change
- Interpersonal conflict
Who can use the EAP?
- All employees of your organisation can use the EAP.
- In most organisations with an EAP contract, immediate family members who live with you can also have counselling. (Check this with your HR Manager).
How experienced are the counsellors?
- All ACCESS Programs counsellors are fully qualified psychologists or social workers with at least 10 years counselling experience.
What information goes to my employer?
- Your employer receives regular statistical reports - i.e. the number of employees who have contacted the EAP.
No identifying information is reported.