17/04/2026
I ask the following question in almost every training session I deliver - 'do you understand what your EAP is and where to access it?'
Typically, less than half the room puts their hand up, and even less have actually used it.
Then somebody normally adds, 'Well I know where it in on the intranet, but I've never actually clicked on it, and I certainly wouldn't know what to do if I did actually have to use it'
Personally this is a little concerning, as if/when they might need to refer one of their team members to it, they wouldn't be equipped to do this effectively.
And this is typical for the vast majority of organisations, as the EAP is significantly underused,and many organisations actually rely on it as a wellbeing strategy,
but it's not, and it cannot Be, and here's why.
An EAP is a useful resource for when an employee is struggling and needs some support.
However, the biggest factor about this is that it's a reactive support resource,
not a preventative one.
So although it can be helpful in address the problem, it never proactively prevents it. So typically, it tends to address the symptoms, not the cause, so the problem never really gets addressed.
What do I think of EAPs in the workplace?
I think they can be helpful, however, they are NOT a well being strategy.
I believe organisations need to look at is what else have they got running alongside the EAP?
What other wellbeing initiatives and support resources do they have in place to prevent issues from developing in the first place?
That's always a good place to start.
How well used is the EAP in your workplace?
Have you ever used it?
