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The 5 modern EAP essentials missing from today’s plans

With work-life balance giving way to 24/7 work-life blending, the modern workplace has changed. The new workforce as a whole, not only millennials, expect much more than a paycheck from employers, leaving businesses with the task of recognizing and addressing ever-changing workforce needs.

To help employers support employees professionally and personally, the employee assistance program industry is also changing. To meet the needs of this diverse, tech-savvy, global workforce, the EAP has evolved from its early origins as a substance abuse resource to become a multi-faceted employee support program that reduces stress at work and at home.

gym-fitness-center
People run on treadmills to exercise during a work out session at a Pure Gym Ltd., a unit of CCMP Capital Advisors LLC in London, U.K., on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016. Pure Gym Ltd. hired Rothschild & Co as its considers 400m initial public offering, the Sunday Times reported, citing unidentified sources. Photographer: Simon Dawson/Bloomberg

Also see:6 trends affecting employee assistance programs.”

A contemporary EAP expands beyond basic services, offering a wide range of creative perks and innovative services to support employees and family members in all aspects of life. However, the basic, “free” EAP is likely missing these five key components:

1) 24/7 access to services

  • 24/7, global, mobile, social access to service via phone, text, email and chat
  • Virtual and online clinical sessions
  • Smart technology, including mobile apps and online resources

2) Modern workforce solutions

  • Integrated errand running
  • Financial wellness
  • Holistic life coaching and comprehensive caretaking referrals

3) Ongoing employee engagement

  • Partnership marketing across all client sites and portals
  • Email blasts, blog and social media posts, videos and monthly newsletters
  • Crisis outreach on social media

4) Diversity and inclusion initiatives

  • All family members eligible for services, regardless of location
  • Millennial, baby boomer and veteran-specific services
  • International resources

5) Program designed to fit client culture and goals

  • Unlimited HR and management consultation for any workplace need
  • Flexible training formats with orientation videos on YouTube
  • Aggregate utilization reporting with data-driven workforce insights

High-quality EAPs are strategic partners, working collaboratively and continuously with HR and other company stakeholders to promote a happier, healthier workforce by making services visible, responsive and management-friendly. By partnering with an experienced EAP provider that espouses the above components, companies can build program awareness, increase utilization, and deliver stronger ROI.

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EAPs Work-life balance Fitness apps Financial wellness Employee engagement
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