How EAPs are Expanding to Meet the Needs of Today’s Workforce

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) used to focus mostly on mental health support at work. Today, they’re doing a lot more. Leaders in human resources recognize that employees need more than just basic mental health support, and today’s EAPs offer a variety of services, including financial advice and legal support. This comprehensive approach helps improve employee well-being while bringing benefits to both employees and employers.

Expanding EAPs

EAPs have come a long way. What began as a simple support system has now evolved into a resource that helps employees address a wide array of issues. Today’s EAPs offer a range of services, including financial advice, legal consultations, career coaching and help with achieving work-life balance.

Employees can get help with budgeting, managing debt, planning investments and saving for retirement. This kind of support helps them better handle their personal finances, which can lower stress and improve job satisfaction. When employees feel financially secure, they’re less likely to be distracted by money worries, which can lead to a more productive workforce.

Many EAP programs now include legal support and offer everything from consultations and referrals to discounted or even free legal services. Employees use this support for various issues, such as understanding employment rights, dealing with workplace stress or handling family matters like divorce. Recent data shows that more employees are turning to EAPs for legal advice, with calls for legal advice from EAPs rising by 25 per cent in the past year. The most common reasons for these calls include employment issues, such as pay and workplace stress, followed by family-related matters like divorce, childcare and housing.

Benefits for Employees and Employers

These expanded services from EAPs offer benefits for both employees and employers. For employees, having access to diverse support – like legal advice, financial planning and career development – can improve overall quality of life. This all-around help can reduce stress and lead to greater engagement. When employees feel supported in multiple aspects of their lives, they’re likely to be happier and more involved at work.

For employers, offering these expanded EAP services helps build a positive work environment and shows a commitment to employee well-being. This can improve employee retention and attract talent. Companies with strong EAPs are also often viewed as employers of choice, which can give them a competitive edge in today’s job market.

Implementing EAPs effectively can help lower both short and long-term disability claims and absenteeism. By providing quick access to mental health and other support services, EAPs can prevent small issues from turning into bigger challenges that might lead to extended leave or disability claims. Addressing these concerns early helps keep productivity high and reduces the costs associated with employee absences.

Improving EAP Engagement

With the rise of remote work, many EAPs have moved to digital platforms, making it easier for employees to access support. However, EAPs are still often underused. Even though many companies include EAPs in their benefits packages, they often don’t promote them enough. Two in five workers in Canada are unfamiliar with the purpose of an EAP and many don’t understand how to access or use them – so it’s important to effectively communicate and highlight this offering.

Although EAPs offer a good return on investment—often saving $5 to $16 for every dollar spent—there is limited research on how to best measure their effectiveness or promote them. As EAPs become more important, employers should focus on increasing awareness and making EAPs more accessible and user-friendly.

Evolving EAPs

The addition of financial and legal support to EAP services marks a positive shift in how employers can support their teams. As EAPs evolve to address a wider range of employee needs, they become an even more essential tool for creating a productive and supportive work environment.

Contact us today so we can work together to create solutions that work best for you and your organization.

Suggested Reading

EAPs for Winter Wellness

Maximizing Unused Mental Health Benefits in the Workplace

How to Dispel Misleading Beliefs about Employee Assistance Programs

Additional Resources

The Ultimate Guide to Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)