The History of Employee Assistance Programs: A Tool for Maximizing Personnel Performance

Employee Assistance Programs are a growing part of benefit packages offered to employees of corporations across America. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) provide services including counseling, assessment, referral, and short term interventions to employees that are experiencing personal problems which interfere with work productivity. The theory which drives EAPs is the belief that employees are human resources, and therefore when an employee is experiencing a problem or conflict at home, work, or in other relationships, which affects the employee’s performance, it is a worthwhile investment to treat the employee’s problem instead of replacing the employee. Traditionally there is no cost to the employee for utilizing the EAP services. The cost for services is paid by the corporation. Referrals are usually via a supervisor who identifies a problem, or employees self-refer to the EAP. EAPs are known for providing services to employees exhibiting symptoms of alcohol or drug abuse that impacts the work environment. Increased federal regulations are forcing corporations to develop policies and techniques for educating staff, and providing resources to staff who manifest substance abuse problems. This is one contributing factor to the increased presence of EAPs in corporations. Many social and economic factors are influencing the presence of EAPs in the workplace. The demographics of the work force are changing, as are the economic forces affecting all corporations in America. EAPs must be viewed in light of these societal changes in order to fully appreciate the evolution and value of Employee Assistance Programs. EAPs are designed to assist employees, however evidence demonstrates that EAPs are also valued assets to corporations. This thesis explores the evolution of EAPs, and the current role of EAPs in corporate America. It also asserts that EAPs are a valuable tool for managing corporate risk, controlling health benefit costs, and insuring employee productivity