Guest:

Larry Barton, Ph.D., University of Central Florida professor of crisis management and public safety

Depending on the size of their workforce, between 75% and 95% of businesses offer an employee assistance program (EAP), according to the International Employee Assistance Professional Association. However, not even 7% of employees take advantage of the counseling benefit, despite that an estimated 18% of American adults are dealing with a mental health issue at any time.

With depression and declining mental health costing the U.S. economy more than $51 billion in absenteeism and lost productivity, how can HR communicate the value of EAPs to boost the well-being of their employees?

In this episode of HR Break Room, crisis management professional Larry Barton rejoins hosts Caleb Masters and Chelsea Justice to discuss:

• how EAPs can benefit your employees and your organization's bottom line
• why HR should consider using EAPs to learn more about the needs of their people
• how the current opioid crisis and surge in workplace violence have changed the conversation surrounding EAPs
• the questions HR should ask EAP vendors about their offerings

Learn how HR technology can improve the efficiency of your benefits administration processes in our A Better Way to Manage Benefits and Open Enrollment infographic.