Workplace Wellness Programs: Counseling & Employee Assistance Programs

An worker’s psychological health can never be neglected in a broad-based model of Workplace Wellness Programs. Originating out of a need for alcohol abuse interventions 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 individual issues. 

Evidence of the need for such initiatives is wide spread. In a national survey conducted by the Northwestern Life Insurance Company (1992) 46 percent of employees reported that their job was very stressful, 34 percent thought about quitting their jobs because of worksite stress, and 14 percent 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 Workplace Wellness Program.  Exemplary Workplace Wellness Programs will include: 

• Personalized assessment of worker concerns

• Assistance in treatment choice

• Emphasis on prevention as well as treatment

• Personal and family counseling initiatives

• Treatment for addictions:

            Drugs

            Alcohol

            Gambling

• Crisis intervention initiatives

• Stress management

• Ongoing support groups

• Management and worker training to establish individuals at risk.

• After treatment care