Employee Counseling Services

Chapter 11

Human Resource Development

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

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

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

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

Employee Assistance Programs Substance abuse Mental health

Individual adjustment External factors – crime, abuse Family crisis Workplace harassment Legal and financial problems

Effectiveness of EAPs

Alcoholism Absenteeism/sick leave Work performance Methodological issues

Stress Management Interventions Organizational stressors Individual’s psychological and physical

response Potential interaction between stressor

and individual response

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

Issues in Employee Counseling Effectiveness of employee counseling

interventions Legal issues Whose responsibility is employee

counseling? Ethical issues Unintended consequences