An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a confidential workplace service that is paid for by an employer on behalf of its employees. EAP’s can often be included as a bolt-on benefit to Group Life Assurance, Private Medical Insurance and Health Cash Plans.

An EAP helps employees deal with a variety of potential issues such as:

  • Health and well-being
  • Stress and home or at work
  • Financial issues including debt
  • Family and relationship matters
  • Substance abuse
  • Major life events
  • Legal concerns

The provision of an employee assistance programme has established business benefits, including increased productivity of employees and decreased absence rates. Employees typically have access to an EAP hotline 24 hours a day, so there is no need to wait to seek assistance. If an appointment with a medical professional or counsellor is necessary, the employee can arrange to see one in just a few days.