Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Policy Example – Sick Leave and Mental Health Policies

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Policy Sample

In this article, we’ll look at the key elements that make up an example Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Policy. We’ve included some starter/boilerplate information to help you get started writing this policy for your company. If you’re looking for help in setting up your policies & procedures or employee manual/handbook, our team can assist.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Policy Template

The following are the main elements that should be included in your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Policy:

1. Title Page

• Policy Title: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Policy
• Company Name: The name of the organization implementing the policy.
• Policy Number (if applicable): For easy reference within the company’s policy structure.
• Version Control: Date of creation, last review, and version number.
• Effective Date: The date the policy becomes operational.
• Approval Authority: Name and title of the individual who approved the policy.

2. Purpose/Objective

• A brief statement explaining why the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Policy exists. This section outlines the policy’s purpose in relation to the company’s goals, regulatory requirements, or ethical standards.
• Describe what problem or issue the policy addresses.
• Example Purpose/Objective:

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Policy aims to provide employees with confidential counseling and support services to address personal or mental health challenges. It seeks to promote well-being and productivity by offering resources that help employees manage stress, anxiety, and other personal issues. By facilitating access to professional support, the policy encourages a healthier work-life balance and fosters a supportive workplace environment. This initiative is part of the broader Sick Leave and Mental Health Policies, underscoring the organization’s commitment to employee health and wellness

3. Scope

• A description of who the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Policy applies to (e.g., employees, contractors, vendors).
• Specify any exceptions to the policy.
• Explain departments or roles affected, if necessary.
• Example Scope:

This policy provides employees with access to confidential counseling and support services to address personal or mental health challenges. It is designed to support employees in managing issues that may affect their well-being and work performance. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is part of the broader Sick Leave and Mental Health Policies, ensuring that employees have the necessary resources to maintain their mental health. By offering these services, the policy aims to foster a supportive work environment and promote overall employee wellness

4. Definitions

• Clarify any key terms or jargon used within the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Policy to ensure understanding.
• Avoid assumptions about familiarity with industry-specific terminology.
• Example Definitions:

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Policy provides employees with access to confidential counseling and support services to address personal or mental health challenges. This policy falls under the category of Sick Leave and Mental Health Policies, ensuring that employees have the necessary resources to manage their well-being effectively. The EAP aims to support employees in maintaining their mental health, thereby promoting a healthier and more productive work environment

5. Policy Statement

• A detailed outline of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Policy itself, including all rules, expectations, and standards.
• It should be direct and clear so that it leaves no ambiguity about the company’s position or requirements.

6. Procedures

• Step-by-step instructions on how to implement or comply with the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Policy.
• Include any forms, tools, or systems that employees must use.
• Describe the responsibilities of different roles in ensuring adherence to the policy.
• Example Procedures:

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides employees with access to confidential counseling and support services to address personal or mental health challenges. Employees can utilize these services to seek help for issues affecting their well-being and work performance. The program ensures privacy and is designed to support employees in managing stress, anxiety, depression, and other personal difficulties. Participation in the EAP is voluntary and can be initiated by the employee at any time. The services are available at no cost to the employee, and the program operates independently from the employee’s work performance evaluations

7. Roles and Responsibilities

• List the roles responsible for enforcing or overseeing the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Policy (e.g., managers, HR).
• Define who is accountable for reporting, monitoring, and updating the policy as needed.
• Example Roles and Responsibilities:

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Policy ensures employees have access to confidential counseling and support services for personal or mental health challenges. It is the responsibility of the Human Resources department to manage and promote the EAP, ensuring employees are aware of the available resources. Managers should encourage a supportive environment and guide employees to the EAP when needed. Employees are responsible for utilizing the services provided and maintaining confidentiality. The policy aims to support employee well-being, reduce absenteeism, and enhance workplace productivity by addressing mental health and personal issues effectively

8. Compliance and Disciplinary Measures

• Outline how compliance will be monitored or enforced.
• Describe any consequences or disciplinary actions for failing to follow the policy, including the escalation process.

9. References and Related Documents

• Include links or references to any laws, regulations, or company guidelines that support the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Policy.
• Reference related company policies that connect or overlap with the document.

10. Review and Revision History

• State the review cycle (e.g., annually, biannually) and who is responsible for reviewing the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Policy.
• A history section that lists all revisions made to the document, including dates and reasons for changes.

11. Approval Signatures

• Signature lines for key decision-makers who have authorized the policy (CEO, department head, HR manager).

12. Appendices or Attachments (if needed)

• Additional information, FAQs, or case examples to provide more context or clarify how the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Policy applies in specific situations.
• Any relevant forms or templates employees need to complete.