It’s no secret that a happy workforce is a productive workforce, and an employee assistance plan (otherwise known as an EAP) is a way to help staff cope with mental health, emotional issues and other related issues that could affect their performance. These could include relationship problems, bereavement, substance addiction or other stressful situations.

At its simplest, an employee assistance program (EAP) involves an independently operated telephone support line. More comprehensive programs can pay for confidential counseling and other support sessions for staff and their families.

In addition to helping your employees, such programs can reduce absenteeism and cases of low morale and stress that would typically restrict the employee’s ability to work to their full potential. Some plans even let employers ask for advice on dealing with stressed staff.

It’s important to keep in mind that the legal ramifications of employee assistance plans (EAP) will differ depending on whether the plan directly offers counseling or similar treatment, or if it merely offers referrals.