Information For  Employers
Definition of an EAP
Family and Children's Services offers Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services designed to assist work organizations in addressing productivity issues and employees in identifying and resolving personal concerns including grief/loss, marital, family, financial, alcohol, drug, legal, emotional, stress, or other issues which may affect job performance and personal functioning.

Depending upon the contract, EAP services vary in length from one diagnostic/assessment session to four additional therapeutic sessions beyond the initial assessment.

Reasons for an EAP
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, at any given time 25% of an employee group is experiencing personal problems which impact their work. This results in decreased quality and productivity levels. The impact of personal performance problems on the workplace include increased healthcare costs, accident rate, liability risks, medical leaves, absenteeism, disability claims, and discipline problems. It is estimated that healthcare costs are three times higher for those with unresolved personal issues. The EAP program helps address productivity issues and provides support so employees can function effectively at work.

 A survey of 50 companies by Marsh and McLennan Companies in 1994 showed EAPs lowered absenteeism by 21% and increased productivity by 14%

 In 1989 and 1990, the McDonnell Douglas Corporation completed a financial offset study showing that over a period of only 4 years, its EAP was responsible for a minimum dollar savings to the corporation of $5.1 million

The Employee Assistance Professionals Association has found $5 - $7 in savings for every $1 invested in the EAP

EAP Services Offered
Confidential assessment and short term counseling services
for all employees, their spouses, and dependent children. There is no cost to the employee or the employee family for use of EAP services.

Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD)
for traumatic incidents which may occur in the workplace.

Educational and training sessions
focusing on topics of interest to supervisors and employees such as conflict resolution, stress management, anger management, diversity in the workplace, and others.

Supervisor and union training
on the use of the EAP as a management tool.

Supervisor and organizational consultation
on employee and workplace concerns.

Reports on utilization
by employees and their families. These figures are typically provided on a monthly basis and can be tailored to fit company needs.

Referrals
to mental health benefits through healthcare coverage will be provided if services beyond short-term counseling are needed. Referral to other community resources including childcare, elder care, etc. is provided at no cost to employees.

Why Family and Children's Services?
Family and Children's Service (FCS) has over 81 years experience helping individuals, couples, and families in the Midland area. FCS has committed itself to providing EAP services to area businesses and organizations in response to growing needs in the community. An EAP coordinator with specialized training services all client organizations. Ten therapists with graduate degrees and professional licensure provide services to clients. FCS has flexible hours to meet the needs of employees and their families. Office hours are 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Friday.

People experiencing a crisis may walk into or call the agency and receive immediate service during normal business hours. FCS after hour’s phone message will direct any crises calls to CMH 24 hour crises line.
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