What is an Employee Assistance Program?

Our hearts go out to all of those affected by the wildfires spreading across the west coast. Currently, the fires have spread across California, Oregon, Washington, and other western states. Alera Group has clients and offices throughout those states and sympathy is with all those impacted by the destruction. If you live in the affected or surrounding areas, please take proper precautions and stay safe! 

Trauma, disruption and displacement often cause increased stress, and an employee assistance program (EAP) can help employees develop coping skills to address real or perceived threats in a productive manner.

What is an EAP?

An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a confidential workplace service that offers free and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services to employees who have personal and/or work-related problems.

What does an EAP help with?

An EAP can help employees deal with work-life stressors, family issues, financial concerns, relationship problems, and even drug or legal concerns. Some EAPs also extend assistance to family members.

EAPs can assist with:

• Health & Safety Concerns


• Financial & Legal Topics


• Work-Related Issues


• Relationship & Family Matters

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many states are offering free support telephonically. The emotional and mental health toll of this crisis will be significant. Additional support and resources can help address the impacts of stress, fear, financial loss, illness, grief and loss, children out of school and isolation created by social distancing.  

Please note: carriers may offer embedded EAP programs in your life, disability, medical plans at no cost to you or your employees. Standalone EAP solutions are also available typically based on a per-employee-per-month rate ranging from $1.10-$2.50 depending on services and needs. Contact your local Alera Group consultant for additional information or email us at info@aleragroup.com to be connected with an office near you.

To learn more about the western wildfires here are a few resources: 

• https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/map-compare-west-coast-wildfires-2020-n1240011 


• https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/15/us/oregon-fires-california.html  


• https://www.npr.org/2020/09/14/912701172/its-a-bit-surreal-oregon-fights-smoke-from-record-wildfires-during-a-pandemic  


• https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/safety-topics/emergency-preparedness/fire


• https://www.osha.gov/dts/wildfires/index.html

How to help those affected by the wildfires: 

• https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html/ 


• https://cpf.salsalabs.org/save-donate/index.html 


• https://www.gofundme.com/f/wildfirerelieffund?_ga=2.7463154.1183903959.1599834642-617102835.1599834640