What Is An Employee Assistance Program (EAP)?

An EAP is a program that offers counseling and assistance with personal and professional issues impacting employees. In the 1940s some employers offered alcohol rehabilitation programs to employees and this has expanded over time to include assessment and assistance with workplace difficulties, marriage and family issues, financial and legal matters and health issues. These programs are typically focus on relieving employee stress and encouraging counseling as an option for many of life's difficulties. Effective EAPs reduce employee absences and increase employee productivity.

Most Professional Employer Organizations include an EAP plan that will work for businesses and non-profits of any size.