Is there an alternative to the EAP?
Yes, an alternative to traditional employee assistance programs exists. Some employers are attempting to assist their employees with both on-the-job and personal difficulties they encounter through workplace chaplain services. These chaplains provide broad-based pastoral care, preside over weddings and funerals, visit hospitals and homes during illness, and also make jail visits. In addition, they visit worksites regularly to develop relationships with employees; consult management on matters of morale, religion, and ethics; and, when requested, represent client management to customers, suppliers, stockholders and board members.
For instance, Marketplace Ministries Inc., a Christian organization based in Dallas, Texas, is a nationwide corporate chaplain Employee Care Program serving many secular businesses across the United States with a staff of more than 1,250 chaplains. The chaplains have both theological training and ministry experience. The organization promises client companies that a chaplain "will be available any time, any place in the United States to care for an employee or an immediate family member, regardless of their need and regardless of their religious background." A corporate chaplain also serves as a resource for company management in areas such as ethics, religion in the workplace and morality. Also, he or she may speak for the company and is available to assist customers and vendors at the request of client company management.
The cost of providing a corporate chaplain Employee Care Program is based on the number of employees and geographical structure of the company. A flat monthly fee is assessed. For more information, visit www.marketplaceministries.com.