Employers Addressing Alcohol Problems Save By
Assisting Employees Facing Alcohol Problems
Workers with alcohol problems don't always seek help on their own. That's why it's important to assist workers in a variety of cost-effective ways.
A powerful step you can take: establish a formal, confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Such programs provide the tools that enable employees to get referrals and interact with people who understand their work situation. Generally, EAPs serve 3-5 percent of employees each year. Many of the requests of the EAP are alcohol-related.
EAPs and health plans can also help by identifying and treating depression, a mental illness that frequently accompanies alcohol problems.
Even employers who have supported treatment for their workers don't always realize that a follow-up program is essential to the continued recovery of the employee with alcohol problems.