Forsite Benefits - Blog #wellness programForsite Benefits - Blog #wellness programhttps://www.forsitebenefits.com/blogs/tag/wellness-programTue, 23 Dec 2025 07:52:55 -0800http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[Understanding Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)]]>https://www.forsitebenefits.com/blogs/post/understanding-employee-assistance-programs-eaps

Employee assistance programs, or EAPs, have evolved since their inception just under a century ago. So much so, that what we know as today’s broad EAP scope stemmed from a single program. The original Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was created to treat the negative effects alcoholism had on overall job performance. In the last 80+ years, EAPs have grown to encompass a multitude of services which tackle struggles faced both in the office and at home. EAPs aim to treat the effects these struggles have on employee well-being, productivity, and overall happiness.


Simply put, employee assistance programs offer resources for ALL employees to achieve a healthier work/life balance. While the utilization of EAPs has increased since 1940, these beneficial programs are still considered underutilized at a reported less than 10% (shrm.org). Why? Many employees are simply not educated on the depth and availability of EAPs. 

​The stigma that employee assistance programs are only for individuals who suffer from substance abuse or mental health struggles is simply not true. The progression of EAP development encompasses needs for all walks of life.​ Typically offered at no cost to employees as a perk included in company-sponsored benefit plans, EAPs’ completely confidential expert services could cover; financial stressors, legal problems, marital struggles, adoption assistance, sleep disturbance, retirement planning, virtual doctor visits (telehealth), depression, anxiety, workplace performance issues, trauma recovery, life coaching, and much more. Today, nearly all employee assistance programs offer telephonic or video-based counseling sessions.

The Benefits of Employee Assistance Programs Extend Beyond the Employee

EAPs are a substantial perk for employees. Furthermore, the eligibility of these programs extends beyond the employee to their spouse and dependent(s). Telehealth services have allowed for children to receive counseling via a smartphone, tablet, or laptop from the comfort of their own home. With the extension of these benefits to spouses and dependents, the whole family can better tackle life’s obstacles and increase individual and family well-being.

The Ultimate Company Vs. Company Step Challenge is Back!

Employee physical and mental health is more important than ever and we find that movement is the best medicine. Involve your team in a fun, active step challenge where you will compete against other Wisconsin organizations and raise money for a great cause. 

   The Move Challenge >>   

Why Should Employees Consider Using EAPs?

According to a recent SHRM employee benefits research pole, 79% of surveyed employers offer some form of employee assistance program(s). As the scope of EAPs has progressed and utilization has increased, some studies suggest that an increase in utilization has resulted in lower medical costs, less absenteeism, and an increase in employee productivity.

 

Begin Your Search For Employee Assistance Programs.

Fortunately, there are many employee assistance programs available, ranging from free community resources, employer-sponsored plans and programs offered as part of an insurance benefit. The goal of this article is to help align you with the EAP resource(s) available to you and those around you.

 

Search our EAP library for your insurance carrier to find available employee assistance programs! 

Today, there is a clear disconnect reported regarding the availability of resources versus employees' perception of access. This shows that communication is key to effective EAP and benefit offerings. Choose an uncluttered, engaging medium where you can relay important information to your employees. Whether email or a company intranet, know that choosing a communication method is the most important step you will take in helping your employees and organization thrive.


We communicate with our team using Forsite EXP >>

Readers are also enjoying:

Addressing Physical & Mental Health in the Workplace >>

]]>Tue, 15 Jun 2021 14:09:37 -0500<![CDATA[Addressing Physical & Mental Health in the Workplace]]>https://www.forsitebenefits.com/blogs/post/addressing-mental-health-in-the-workplace

Having resources, programs and policies that support employees' physical and mental health does not fall under the 'would be nice to have' category for current employees or job candidates. Such perks are sought after and necessary for long-term success. New data is showing that the effects of the pandemic remain a major concern. Individuals in the workplace, from all departments, continue to struggle.

  • 41% of Americans report an adverse mental health condition, up from 11% in 2019, according to a recent study released by the Kaiser Family Foundation.
  • The CDC projects an increase of 50% in prevalence of mental health and substance use disorder in the first 12 months post-onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The P.A.T.H. to Mental Health | Tuesday, June 28th, 2022

It's time to discuss today's workplace mental health challenges, and the PATH to creating a healthier, better prepared environment for employees.


7:30 - 8:00 a.m. | Networking, breakfast & coffee

8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Speakers


REGISTER FOR THIS FREE IN-PERSON EVENT >>

​​Providing well-being resources in the workplace boosts employee productivity, job satisfaction and overall health.

There is currently a disconnect between how employers feel about the level of support they offer for employee well-being, versus how employees perceive having access to services and workplace stigma. 


78% of employees report that improving their health and wellbeing is a high priority, while also reporting that they wish their employers would offer more health and wellbeing services. 


Organizations are being called to create a culture that promotes productivity, happiness, and overall well-being, helping employees be more resilient, productive, and less stressed. 

3 Steps You Can Take to Support Employee Well-being

Step One | Communicate

The presented disconnect in the last year regarding the availability of resources versus employees' perception of access shows that communication is key to effective offerings. Choose an uncluttered, engaging medium where you can relay important information to your employees. Whether email or a company intranet, know that choosing a communication method is the most important step you will take in helping your employees and organization thrive.


We communicate with our team using Forsite EXP >>


Step Two | Educate

Using your chosen communication channel, educate your employees on the resources available to them. These resources could include employee assistance programs through their benefits package, hotlines, financial assistance programs, healthcare education, phone numbers to benefit advisors or information on your company wellness program.


Step Three | Remind

Encouraging the utilization of and engagement with the resources provided is important. Be sure to frequently communicate reminders to your employees about why mental and physical health are important, as well as what resource are available to help them achieve their well-being goals. 

]]>Wed, 09 Jun 2021 09:15:13 -0500