Small Business Glossary and Definitions

An EAP (or employee assistance program) is a benefit offered by many companies that helps employees with work-related or personal problems that are impacting, or potentially could impact, their work performance, emotional well-being or physical or mental health. They typically provide free, confidential evaluations, short-term counseling, referral services and follow-up sessions for employees and their families. The program’s counselors consult regularly with supervisors and managers to deal with employee and company challenges. However, they also are available to deal with non-work related problems. Numerous governments, schools and corporations have begun offering the programs to reduce and cope with trauma, workplace violence and other emergencies.