EAPs are paid 100 percent by the employer and are administered through a third-party company. Employees can feel confident that because it’s administered outside of the company, the personal details shared are confidential. The employee can speak freely about whatever challenge they’re facing and know that the employer won’t have those details. The employee can’t take an EAP with them when leaving the job, unlike traditional health benefits.

The cost of EAPs is reasonable. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that productivity losses resulting from absenteeism cost employers approximately $225 billion annually in the United States, which breaks down to $1,685 per employee. The cost of EAPs varies by program, but typically ranges from $10 per employee to $100 per employee, which is a significant savings compared with the potential absenteeism. Once the program is in place, it’s important that employers continue to communicate the benefits to employees so that it’s top of mind when a problem in their lives occurs.

EAPs help the company save money. Businesses are spending an increasing amount of money on healthcare costs each year. Mental health challenges alone cost employers an estimated $20 billion annually and account for 75 percent of short-term disabilities. The ROI on EAPs is significant, with a return that is 8 times every $1 invested. Businesses that invest in an EAP can reduce overall health costs, lower medical insurance usage and have fewer absences.