As a manager, you play a pivotal role in fostering a healthy and productive work environment. Recognizing when a team member might be struggling and knowing how to offer support is crucial. Your organization’s Community Care Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a valuable resource designed to assist your employees through various personal and work-related challenges. This guide will help you understand how to effectively utilize the EAP to support your team.
Informal Referrals: Proactive Support
An informal referral is a proactive step you can take when you observe changes in an employee’s behavior or become aware of personal issues they may be facing. This type of referral is most effective before work performance is significantly impacted. By addressing concerns early, you can help prevent problems from escalating and affecting productivity.
When making an informal referral, approach the employee with empathy and discretion. Express your concern, gently remind them about the availability of the Community Care EAP, and provide them with EAP informational materials, such as a brochure. A helpful way to initiate this conversation could be: “I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed quite yourself lately, even though you’re typically such a strong contributor. I’m concerned and wanted to remind you about our Employee Assistance Program. It’s a confidential resource that can provide support during challenging times.”
Formal Referrals: Addressing Performance Concerns
A formal referral to the Community Care EAP becomes necessary when an employee’s attendance or work performance is suffering, and standard supervisory interventions or disciplinary actions have not resolved the issues. This structured approach ensures employees receive the support they need while addressing workplace performance expectations.
To initiate a formal referral, follow these steps:
- Contact EAP First: Before speaking with the employee, call the EAP to inform them of the potential referral. Provide the employee’s name and relevant details about the work performance concerns. Complete the “Manager Referral Form” (available on your company’s EAP portal or website) and fax or submit it to the EAP.
- EAP Follow-Up and Communication: The EAP will then inform you, the supervisor, about the following:
- Whether the employee contacted the EAP within the designated timeframe.
- If the employee has signed a release of information form, allowing the EAP to confirm their compliance with assessment and recommended treatment plans. Please note that specific details regarding the employee’s issues, clinical recommendations, or the nature of their challenges remain confidential unless explicit consent is given. The EAP’s primary objective is to guide employees toward well-being and improved productivity, not to act as a disciplinary measure.
- Ongoing Support and Reporting: The EAP will provide periodic updates, in writing, regarding the employee’s adherence to treatment plans and, when applicable, expected return-to-work dates.
- Return-to-Work Facilitation: The EAP can also play a valuable role in facilitating a smooth return-to-work process by organizing a conference involving you, the employee, and an EAP representative. Contact the EAP to learn more about this service.
By understanding and utilizing both informal and formal referral processes within your Community Care Employee Assistance Program, you can proactively support your team members, address performance issues constructively, and contribute to a healthier, more supportive workplace.
