Company Health and Wellness Programs: Employee Assistance Programs and Counseling Programs

An worker’s psychological health can never be neglected in a comprehensive model of Employee Wellness  Programs. Originating out of a need for alcohol abuse initiatives in the worksite, today’s employee  assistance programs (EAP) encompass assessment and counseling for substance abuse and dependency,  stress related disorders, family conflicts and other personal issues.

Evidence of the need for such initiatives is wide spread. In a national survey conducted by the  Northwestern Life Insurance Company (1992) 46% of employees reported that their job was very stressful,  34% thought about quitting their jobs because of worksite stress, and 14% did leave their job because  of stress. Alcohol and substance abuse problems as well as issues of worksite violence and harassment  are common areas of concern. For many the only viable treatment solution is the Employee Wellness  Program.  Exemplary Employee Wellness Programs will include:

• Individualized assessment of worker concerns
• Treatment choice assistance
• Emphasis on prevention as well as treatment
• Individual and family counseling initiatives
• Treatment for addictions:
Drugs
Alcohol
Gambling
• Crisis intervention initiatives
• Stress Management Programs
• Ongoing support groups
• Management and worker training to identify individuals at risk.
• After treatment care