Employee Assistance Plans to Ease Holiday Stress

Employee Assistance Plans to Ease Holiday Stress

For some, the upcoming holidays don’t just bring good cheer. This time of year also delivers up significant stress – resulting in anger, anxiety or depression that can impact your health, happiness and productivity, both at home and work. If the season’s making you feel anything but jolly, consider the services your workplace Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) offers. 

 

Many employers of all sizes offer an external EAP program as a free employee benefit. The program’s consultants help workers and their families – confidentially – with a range of concerns, including grief, stress, addictions, family matters, financial worries, and more. An EAP’s experienced, compassionate staff are available 24 hours a day, every day, to provide immediate support, develop a plan of action, and provide referrals to treatment or other resources, if needed.  

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Eileen Rafferty, CEAP, Director of Account Services at RIEAS in Warwick, encourages employees to call, even if they’re not sure an EAP can help. “I find it important just to let employees know that if they are feeling stuck and do not know for sure if the EAP can help, please make the call. We do our best to help people with all kinds of issues.” 

How Many Employees Use an EAP

Each year, about 3-5% of workers with access to an EAP take advantage of the program. 

What does the EAP do?

The EAP staff can:

• Assess any crisis needs and long-term concerns
• Offer support and expertise to help you address your particular needs
• Locate helpful resources within your community
• Clarify insurance coverage and provider options
• Seek free or sliding-scale services for those without insurance coverage

Where are the EAP medical records kept?

EAPs maintain strict adherence to state and federal privacy laws regarding medical records, including HIPAA. All records are kept confidential and cannot be accessed by your employer. 

When is the busiest time for EAP services?

Peak utilization usually occurs in the rainy spring months – March and April – with post-holiday January being the next busiest time.  

Still not ready to make the call? Then consider these coping tips for a more worry-free holiday season. 

• Set a budget for spending – on gifts, food and parties – and stick to it.
• Be sure to leave plenty of time for traveling during busy times.
• Don’t be afraid to say no to invitations if activities get to be too much.
• If you’re alone, contact local clubs, religious organizations or community groups who offer opportunities to socialize.
• Don’t overeat and try to find time to exercise.
• Avoid excessive alcohol.

 

Amy Gallagher has over 19 years of healthcare industry experience.  As Vice President at Cornerstone Group, she advises large employers on long-term cost-containment strategies, consumer-driven solutions and results-driven wellness programs. Amy speaks regularly on a variety of healthcare-related topics, is a member of local organizations like the Rhode Island Business Group on Health, HRM-RI, SHRM, WELCOA, and the Rhode Island Business Healthcare Advisory Council, and participates in the Lieutenant Governor’s Health Benefits Exchange work group of the Health Care Reform Commission.

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