Salary FYI

Employee Assistance Program

Benefits

A confidential employer-sponsored program providing free short-term counseling and referral services for personal or work-related issues such as mental health, substance abuse, and financial stress.

## Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

EAPs are confidential support services provided at no cost to employees and often their immediate family members.

### Services Typically Offered

- Short-term counseling (3–8 sessions per issue).
- Mental health referrals.
- Substance abuse support.
- Financial counseling.
- Legal consultation.
- Work-life balance resources (childcare, eldercare referrals).
- Crisis intervention.

### Usage Rates

Average EAP utilization is 5–8% of employees annually, though this has risen post-pandemic. Many employees are unaware their company offers an EAP.

### Confidentiality

EAP records are separate from employer HR files. Employers receive only aggregate utilization data, never individual information. This confidentiality is protected by law in most jurisdictions.

### Cost to Employer

EAPs typically cost $12–$40 per employee per year. Studies suggest ROI of $3–$10 for every $1 spent through reduced absenteeism and improved productivity.