Why Employees Don’t Use Employee Assistance Program

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) has become a necessity in all the companies, large or small. It provides a constant support to employees. It increases productivity among workers. Along with the increase in the productivity, they also provide a lot of benefits to the employer and the employee. The services provided by them, are subsidized and the benefits to the employee are numerous.

Reasons for not Using Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

But, even when the companies opt for an Employee Assistance Program, not everyone takes the advantages provided by them. Thus, below are few reasons why employees don’t use EAP fully:

Lack of Information for Employees

The employees are not informed properly about the EAP programs. About 50 years ago, EAP used to focus on alcoholic workers. But now, it has come a long way. It addresses different mental health issues and even work-related problems. Hence, the employees are not informed about these services which they can avail. It becomes the duty of the HR to tell the employees about EAP.

Difficulty in Navigation:

EAP is very helpful for the employees, but along with it is difficult for the employees to know what to do and where to go in different situations. Thus, it is the HR’s responsibility to convey to the employees about different programs and services provided by the EAP. Many time companies bundle EAP with other products, hence the employees don’t use the services that much.

The question of Confidentiality:

Many times, employees don’t indulge in the program because they are scared that there will be a breach of confidentiality. They are afraid that the information they will provide will leak onto the management. But, it is mandatory for the EAP professionals to keep the information provided confidentially. They will not release any information about the employee. In cases where the problem is interfering with work, they will only release the information with the employee’s consent. The employee has to sign the papers and can decide what and how much information should be released.

Feel like not big an issue:

It is a general misconception among people that EAP’s are for only mental health issues or addiction problems. But, people can approach EAP professionals for any advice and issue. It includes dietary advice, work-life balance, overall well-being etc. The HR should constantly remind the employees that they can avail these benefits from an EAP.

EAP not only help individuals but, they also help in increasing the productivity of the work environment. To learn more about the benefits of EAP, you can read, “Benefits of an Employee Assistance Program”.

To avail our EAP services, click here.