1. Why do we have an EAP?

Your company has an EAP contract because it wants to take care of its most important asset -- it's staff. Your company understands that EAP is the best way of helping employees deal with those issues that come up that tend to interfere with their lives and their work. Your company's leadership knows that helping its employees not only helps the company does better, but it is the right thing -- the pono thing -- to do.

2. How is the EAP likely to help me as a manager?

In several ways, EAP can be an important part of your Manager's Tool Kit. First, we can help your employees who are struggling with something in their personal life. You can refer these employees to the EAP any time for free, confidential help. Second, we can help your employees whose performance is starting to slip or whose behavior is beginning to deteriorate. Whether their attendance is decreasing, or their temper is increasing, or their personal issues are interfering with their productivity, if they are not making progress, you can make a Formal Supervisory Referral to the EAP. It's usually not mandatory, but it gives the employees the message that you hope they take care of whatever is going on. Third, we can help you with any organizational issues that come up -- whether it's a downsizing or a reorganization, or morale issues, or trainings you need to provide -- your EAP may help you with these. Fourth, you can call us any time for advice. Fifth, we're there for you and your team on the worst day -- if an employee dies or something traumatic happens that could take out your whole team, we come in and help people deal with their emotions so they can get back to business. Sixth, we are there for you. You have EAP benefits as well, and you can come and talk with us any time.

3. Can you help me retain valuable employees?

Absolutely. Quite often, great employees have something going on that temporarily impacts their job performance. The faster we can help them with whatever is going on, the more likely they are to stay on as an important part of your team.

4. Can you help one of my employees with a drug or an alcohol problem?

Absolutely. They can come in any time voluntarily, and we'll help them, whether it's their own use or a family member's use. And family members can come in as well, we're here for them too. We also support your company's drug and alcohol policies, working with individuals who have violated their company's policies and helping them get into whatever kind of education or treatment process they may need. Our counselors are experts on these issues, and do a thorough assessment of each employee before making any recommendations.

5. Why should I get involved in my employees' personal problems?

You shouldn't, as that's none of your business. Your organization doesn't expect you to become involved in the personal lives of your employees. It's only when these issues start becoming noticeable or impact the employees performance or behavior at the workplace that you should get involved. If an employee comes to you with a personal problem, refer them to EAP. It's not your job to help them, it's our job. You could actually get in trouble for giving them advice that doesn't work out, and the company could get into trouble. It's better to let them know they have EAP available and hand them our number or our flyer.

When their personal problems start inpacting their performance, you can offer employees guidance early on. Although responding to a troubled employee may not be easy for you, it is important, and important you do it well. That's why you have two resources -- EAP and your own Human Resources. You can ask for help or coaching on how to deal with a challenging situation with an employee, or one you just don't feel comfortable with. Help is available.

6. What can I expect from WorkLife Hawaii?

When you call us, we'll ask what company you work for to make sure we have your EAP contract. We'll get a little information from you so that we can pick the right counselor for you to talk with or see. You can expect:

• A patient, professional, confidential resource
• Practical guidance and support in finding a solution
• Help with organizing your observations so you can present them well
• An opportunity to rehearse what you will say and how you'll say it