Employee Counseling Services

1. Employee Counseling Services Chapter 11 Human Resource Development

2. Components of Typical Program • Problem identification – screening • Education • Counseling • Referral • Treatment • Follow-up

3. Advantages of In-house Counseling Services • Internal control • Familiarity with organization • Coordination of treatment and follow-up • Communication with organization • Sense of ownership • Greater credibility with some supervisors

4. Disadvantages of In-house Counseling Services • Confidentiality • Lack of resources • Reluctance to use • Limitations in staff/expertise

5. Characteristics of Effective Counseling Programs • Top management commitment/support • Clear policies and procedures • Cooperation with local union • Range of care • Clear confidentiality policy • Use of records for program evaluation • Health insurance benefit coverage • Family education

6. Employee Assistance Programs • Substance abuse • Mental health • Individual adjustment • External factors – crime, abuse • Family crisis • Workplace harassment • Legal and financial problems

7. Effectiveness of EAPs • Alcoholism • Absenteeism/sick leave • Work performance • Methodological issues

8. Stress Management Interventions • Organizational stressors • Individual’s psychological and physical response • Potential interaction between stressor and individual response

9. Employee Wellness and Health Promotion Programs • Exercise and fitness interventions • Smoking cessation • Nutrition and weight control • Hypertension

10. Issues in Employee Counseling • Effectiveness of employee counseling interventions • Legal issues • Whose responsibility is employee counseling? • Ethical issues • Unintended consequences