Employee Assistance Program
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a workplace benefit providing confidential counselling, support services, and resources to help employees with personal and work-related problems.
benefits
Category
beginner
Difficulty
4 min read
Read time
2025-01-15
Updated
Definition
Short definition
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a workplace benefit providing confidential counselling, support services, and resources to help employees with personal and work-related problems.
Detailed explanation
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers confidential support to employees facing personal or professional challenges. Services typically include counselling, mental health support, legal advice, financial guidance, and work-life resources.
EAPs are designed to help employees manage issues that might otherwise impact their work performance and wellbeing. Support is usually available 24/7 via phone, with face-to-face or video counselling sessions available.
Providing an EAP demonstrates employer commitment to employee wellbeing and can help reduce absence, improve productivity, and support staff retention.
Practical guidance
How it works
Employers contract with an EAP provider. Employees access support by calling a helpline, using an app, or booking sessions online. All contact is confidential - employers only receive anonymised usage data.
Best practices
Actively promote EAP availability
Train managers on when to signpost
Include in onboarding information
Review usage data to identify themes
Legal context
Legal basis
Not legally required; supports duty of care and health & safety obligations
Jurisdiction: Global
Key provisions
Services must be confidential
Available to all employees equally
Should cover work and personal issues
Supports employer duty of care
Official source
Frequently asked questions
Is the Employee Assistance Program confidential?
Yes, EAPs are completely confidential. Your employer cannot see who uses the service or what is discussed. Employers only receive anonymous, aggregate usage data.
What issues can an EAP help with?
EAPs cover a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, bereavement, debt, legal matters, family issues, and work-related challenges.
How many counselling sessions can I have?
Most EAPs offer 4-8 counselling sessions per issue. If longer-term support is needed, the EAP can help refer you to appropriate ongoing services.
Related glossary terms
Employee Wellbeing
Employee wellbeing encompasses the physical, mental, social, and financial health of employees, and the workplace factors that influence them.
Absence Management
Absence management is the comprehensive approach to managing employee time off, including policies, tracking, reducing unplanned absence, and supporting employee wellbeing.