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Employee Assistance Program (EAP) policy

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Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Policy Template ensures employees have access to professional support, fostering a positive and resilient workforce.

This template provides guidelines for implementing an Employee Assistance Program, outlining the types of support available, confidentiality measures, and the process for accessing assistance.

Reading time
How long to understand and implement this policy?
10 mins
Word count
How many words in this policy?
512
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What is an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) policy?

An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Policy is a document that outlines an organisation's commitment to providing support and assistance to employees who may be experiencing personal or work-related problems.

The policy provides guidance on how employees can access EAP services, the scope of services offered, confidentiality requirements, and the roles and responsibilities of employees and managers.

The EAP Policy also outlines the objectives of the program, such as promoting employee wellbeing, enhancing job performance, and providing access to resources and support services.

By implementing an EAP Policy, organisations can demonstrate their commitment to promoting employee wellbeing and supporting their employees' mental health and wellbeing needs.

Best practice timescale for this to be issued
When should this policy be issued?
During onboarding / after changes / planned refresher
Issued by who, to whom
Who should issue this policy, and to whom?
Internally issued to appropriate recipients in your Company
Applicable legal jurisdictions
In which jurisdictions can this policy be used?
Great Britain & NI (United Kingdom), Worldwide

What legislation and best practice guidelines have been taken into account in the development of this template?

United Kingdom
  • Confidentiality: EAPs often deal with sensitive information related to employees' mental and physical health. Employers must ensure that they maintain strict confidentiality and privacy when dealing with this information, as required by data protection laws.

  • Non-discrimination: Employers must ensure that EAP services are available to all employees without discrimination based on age, gender, race, religion, disability or any other protected characteristic.

  • Compliance with employment laws: Employers must ensure that their EAP policies and procedures are compliant with relevant employment laws and regulations, such as the Equality Act 2010, Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

  • Clear communication: Employers should clearly communicate the availability of EAP services to employees and provide information on how to access these services. The EAP policy should be easily accessible and easy to understand.

  • Consultation with employees: Employers should consult with employees to understand their needs and preferences when it comes to EAP services. This can help ensure that the program is tailored to meet the needs of the workforce and can lead to higher levels of employee engagement and satisfaction.

Overall, it is essential that employers consider the legal implications when implementing an EAP and seek legal advice if needed. A well-designed EAP policy can support employees' mental health and wellbeing while also protecting the organisation from legal risks.


Other territories

Consult your jurisdiction's employment legislation or labor laws to ensure compliance with the template. Review the language for local precision.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Policy

Overview

At [Company Name], we recognise the importance of promoting the health and wellbeing of our employees. We understand that personal and work-related issues can have a significant impact on employee wellbeing and job performance. To support our employees, we provide an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that offers confidential and professional support and guidance to help employees address any personal or work-related issues they may be experiencing.

Scope

This policy applies to all employees of [Company Name] and is designed to provide guidance on the use of the EAP services.

General principles

The objectives of our EAP are to:

  • Provide confidential and professional support to employees in managing personal and work-related issues.
  • Promote employee wellbeing and resilience.
  • Enhance job performance by addressing personal and work-related issues that may be impacting employee performance.
  • Provide access to resources and support services that may not be readily available to employees.

Accessing the EAP

Employees can access the EAP by contacting [EAP provider name and contact information]. The EAP is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is accessible by phone, email, or online chat.

All communications with the EAP provider are confidential, and no information is shared with [Company Name] without the employee's consent, except where required by law.

Services provided by the EAP

The EAP provides employees with access to the following services:

  • Confidential counselling services: Employees can receive confidential counselling support for a range of personal and work-related issues, including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and substance abuse.
  • Legal and financial guidance: The EAP provides legal and financial guidance to help employees address personal and work-related issues, such as debt management, legal issues, and financial planning.
  • Health and wellbeing resources: The EAP provides employees with access to a range of health and wellbeing resources, including articles, webinars, and workshops.
  • Managerial consultations: The EAP provides managers with access to confidential consultations to discuss employee-related issues and develop strategies to support employee wellbeing and performance.

Confidentiality

All information shared with the EAP provider is strictly confidential. No information is shared with [Company Name] without the employee's consent, except where required by law. EAP counsellors are bound by professional codes of ethics and are committed to maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality.

Cost

The cost of the EAP services is fully covered by [Company Name] and is available to all employees free of charge.

Responsibility

It is the responsibility of all employees to maintain the confidentiality of the EAP services and to use them appropriately. Managers are responsible for promoting the EAP services and encouraging their team members to use them when needed.

Review

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure that it remains relevant and effective in meeting the needs of our employees.

At [Company Name], we are committed to promoting the health and wellbeing of our employees. Our EAP provides confidential and professional support to help employees manage personal and work-related issues that may be impacting their wellbeing and job performance. We encourage all employees to access the EAP services whenever they need support or guidance.

This policy [does not] form[s] part of your terms and conditions of employment.

Version: [1.0]

Issue date: [date]

Author: [name, job title]

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employee assistance program (eap) policy