Employee Assistance Programs and suicide prevention in the workplace

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Employer provided resources, such as an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can support employee well-being and reduce the risk of suicide. 

EAP’s help employees with work-related and/or personal topics that may create mental and emotional stress and has a major impact on their work environment. EAP services often include resources to resolve personal topics related to marital, financial, or emotional problems, referrals for legal assistance, caregiving resources, and support for substance and alcohol abuse. 

While the cost of an EAP is usually paid for by you as the employer, the return is proven to be worth the investment. According to a report from the Employee Assistance Society of North America, an employer can expect an ROI of $3-$10 for every $1 spent on an EAP. The average monthly cost of an EAP is $12-$40 per month per employee as stated by the same report. 

While statistics vary regarding the number of employers who offer an EAP, a recent survey by the Institute for Corporate Productivity found that over 57% of employers are increasing the benefits offered in their EAP, including bereavement services and additional counseling sessions. 

In addition to an EAP, creating a work environment that fosters open communication around mental health issues is one of the best ways you can take action. You can also train staff and leaders to recognize the signs of mental distress in the workplace, which can go a long way to creating a safe, supportive and proactive environment.