What types of services are offered in an Employee Assistance Program?
How much do Employee Assistance Programs cost?
How can employers implement an employee assistance program?
An employee assistance program (EAP) is a workplace benefit that provides confidential support to employees, typically at no extra cost to the employee.
Employee assistance programs typically offer confidential short-term counseling, educational resources, and referrals to outside treatment or care providers. They may also include individual assessments, management consultations, and support with workplace challenges like conflict resolution.
Standalone employee assistance programs usually follow a per-employee-per-month pricing model and tend to provide more comprehensive support. In contrast, insurance-based programs are typically bundled into the healthcare plan at no extra cost to the employer but may offer limited counseling sessions and fewer services.
Some employers offer employee assistance programs through their health insurance, while others choose standalone vendors for more tailored support. Standalone options suit larger companies or those needing customization, while insurance-based programs are more budget-friendly for smaller businesses. Using an employee self-service portal to gather feedback or provide access can help ensure the program meets workforce needs.
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