employee assistance program (EAP)

An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a service provided by employers, to support their staff’s emotional & psychological well-being, both in the workplace & within their personal lives. 

GV Developmental Clinic’s (GVDC) professionals can assist employees with the following concerns/issues:

adjustment to a new or changed working environment

coping with injury or return to work from injury

dealing with loss or death of a loved one

dealing with difficult work issues

conflict in the workplace

workplace bullying, harassment, discrimination concerns

anxiety/stress

depression

self-confidence and assertiveness problems

family, marital or other personal problems

substance abuse or misuse (incl. illicit substances, alcohol or prescription meds)

gambling problems

financial difficulties or concerns

health-related concerns and many more

Current research consistently shows that employees with a safety net in place for their mental and physical wellbeing inspire positive growth within the workplace. Research suggests:

increased performance & productivity

reduced absenteeism, conflict & occupational stress

improved staff morale, employee retention & recruitment

reduced worker’s compensation & other costs

improved employee satisfaction

enhanced employer-employee relationships

 patient.

No information discussed within a consultation is released to any third party or organisation without prior consent from the employee, except where failure to disclose would likely result in imminent threat of serious bodily harm to the client or others, or where required by law. 

There are legislative obligations that relate to this policy for the EAP provider with regard to the notifiable conduct of a health practitioner: (Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009 (the National Law) https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Notifications/Raise-a-concern/Mandatory-notifications.aspx 

Sometimes, an employer might mandate EAP services for an employee. Examples of this include positive drug and alcohol tests or employee behaviour problems. When an employee is referred by a supervisor to their company’s EAP provider, there is a level of expectation that the employer will receive feedback about the employee’s participation; for example, their rate of attendance and their level of collaboration in problem solving or behaviour change plans. The content and any record of the session, however, remain confidential, in keeping with legal mandatory notifiable events.