GEA offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). But you may not know what your EAP can do for you.
Employee Assistance Programs are almost as commonplace as health insurance among employer benefits — but, unlike health insurance, very few people use them. And GE Appliances is no different. We offer an EAP program but would like to see more employees benefit from the benefit.
That may be because many people associate EAPs with substance abuse or mental health emergencies or are afraid of carrying a negative stigma for needing behavioral health support. While 24/7 counseling is certainly one of the most important things an EAP offers, these programs can help your overall wellbeing.
Calling is anonymous. While aggregate data is reported back to GEA, no names are attached. So, whether you’re calling about substance abuse or how to deal with your boss, this will not get back to your employer.
It’s worth checking out your employer’s EAP to find out what’s available to you. Here are five things you may not be aware of that your employer EAP may be able to provide you support:
1. Stress
Work is stressful. Family life and finances can be, too. Whatever is stressing you out, your EAP can help. A trained counselor can help you address a specific stressful situation—such as a conflict with a co-worker—and make a plan to address it. You also can get help with some of the side-effects of stress, such as lost sleep. You typically get a limited number of counseling sessions at no cost, and if need be, you can get a referral for further treatment.
2. Work-life balance
Time is a precious commodity, and your EAP may be able to give you some of it back. Many EAPs are available to help you find a range of personal services—dog walkers, plumbers, lawns care, home improvement contractors. Some even include concierge services that can help you plan a vacation.
3. Legal consultation
If you have simple legal needs, you may be able to get them taken care of with one phone call to your EAP. If you need help drawing up an uncomplicated will or reviewing a document, or if you need a lawyer to make a phone call on your behalf, a brief consultation may be all you need. For more complicated needs, you can get help finding a local lawyer — and you may even get a discount on the attorney’s hourly rate. (If your issue is employment-related, you will likely not be able to go to your EAP for help with that.)
4. Making a financial plan
Many EAPs offer a free phone consultation on financial issues. If you’re just starting out, you may need help creating your first budget or figuring out how to start saving for retirement. If your kids are getting older, perhaps you’re thinking about saving for their college education. And if you’re further along in your career, you may want some outside perspective on the transition to retirement. 5. Identity theft
5. Identity theft
Concerned about preventing identity theft? Have you been a victim? You may be able to get expert advice on steps you can take to either prevent or recover from identity theft. Similarly, you can get a brief consultation with a network attorney if you have legal concerns regarding ID theft.
Find out more here. Link to: https://www.parkwellcarecenter.com/eap
Adapted from Fidelity Investments, Health Solutions Thought Leadership Council