Checklist for starting an employee assistance program

Once a decision is made to implement an EAP, employers should consider a number of factors.

• Should the company use an outside vendor or staff the service with its own employees?

• If an outside vendor is used, how is one chosen? [see ¶42,242 ]

• Should the EAP servies be provided on or off site? [see ¶42,241 ]

• Should the EAP provide intervention and referral services or provide ongoing counseling or assistance?

• For what types of problems should the EAP offer services? [see ¶42,220 ]

• Should the employer insist that employees may be reimbursed for certain types of care (such as mental health) only if they are initiated through the EAP?

• Should the EAP include mandatory counseling (for workplace issues if the employee is referred to the EAP by a supervisor or manager)?

• What kind of training is necessary for employees, supervisors and managers, executives, and the staff of the EAP?

• What procedures are in place to ensure confidentiality? [see ¶42,243 ]

• How should management support for the program be portrayed?

• How should the program be communicated to employees? [see ¶42,244 ]

• What performance measures will be used to evaluate the EAP? [see ¶42,245 ]