WORK-LIFE

employee assistance program
“

Whether it’s helping you to navigate life’s transitions, find 

more satisfaction in your work, or maximize your physical 

and emotional wellbeing, the EAP is here to assist.”

- U.S. OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
table of contents

welcome

about the program

the value of EAP

5 ways the EAP can help

did you know...
Each Federal Executive Branch agency has an 

Employee Assistance Program (EAP). In the 

course of your career, you may experience 

professional and/or personal situations that 

affect your capacity to perform well on the job. 

EAPs can play a vital role by providing you with 

knowledge and resources to support your wellbeing. From anything as simple as finding the 

right daycare or drafting a will to helping you 

cope with the death of a loved one, the EAP is 

here to help, and it’s entirely confidential. 

welcome

Employee Assistance Program in the Federal Government


An EAP is a free, voluntary, and confidential 

program that helps employees (including 

managers) work through various life challenges 

that may adversely affect job performance, 

health, or personal wellbeing to optimize an 

organization’s success. 

EAP services include assessments, counseling, 

and referrals for additional services to 

employees with personal and/or work-related 

concerns, such as stress, financial issues, legal 

issues, child and elder care, family problems, 

office conflicts, and alcohol and substance use.

about the program
the value of employee 

assistance programs

EAPs can reap benefits for agencies, employees, 

and families.
benefits for employees and families

• Offers easy access to resources and confidential experts who can help

• Improves employees' and dependents' abilities to successfully respond 

to challenges

• Reduces stress

• Decreases health-related expenses associated with stress, depression, 

and other mental health issues 

benefits for agencies

• Increases employee productivity and engagement

• Reduces healthcare costs

• Reduces the need for unscheduled leave

• Improves employee retention 

• Facilitates safe, timely, and effective return-to-work following short-term 

and extended absences

• Develops competencies in managing workplace stress and improving 

work team performance

• Facilitates successful adjustment to workforce restructuring, reductions-inforce, or other workforce change events

• Reduces the likelihood of workplace violence or other safety risks 

• Supports emergency preparedness, response, and recovery

• Promotes and supports a drug- and alcohol-free workplace
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2 work and family

Work-family conflict can have negative effects on your behavior, 

emotions, and health. The EAP can help you and your family 

members find resources for the challenges you may face, including 

child care, adoption, moving, senior care, and special needs 

services. 

counseling 

The EAP provides initial assessment and short-term counseling to 

employees, and oftentimes their immediate family members, at no cost. 

You can seek confidential help with work, family, personal matters, 

legal, financial, stress, and other issues affecting your well-being.

4 ways the EAP can help you
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4

legal consultation

Occasionally, you may face a legal situation or have a question on 

a legal issue that you’d like to discuss with an attorney. The EAP 

can provide consultation and referral services for a wide range of 

legal issues. If you need additional legal assistance, the EAP may 

be able to help you retain an attorney at a discounted rate. Some 

examples of legal services provided by the EAP include living wills, 

car accidents, family law, and criminal matters.

financial guidance

Sound information and financial planning are critical to achieving 

financial success. The EAP can offer you objective, targeted 

information on a wide range of issues, such as retirement planning, 

tuition assistance, estate planning, saving, and investment 

strategies.

Life can be hectic. Getting support doesn't have to be.
All information about you and 

your contact with the EAP is 

confidential, unless you provide 

written permission to disclose 

specific information to another party 

or disclosure is required by law. 

The EAP can 

assist with almost 

any kind of 

concern affecting 

one's work and/

or personal life.

There is no cost for the direct 

consultation you receive from 

an EAP counselor. If you are 

referred to a treatment or 

resource, the EAP will inform you 

up front if there are any out-ofpocket costs, and some of these 

costs may even be covered by 

your insurance plan.

did you know 
...
...your EAP can help
Emergencies, disasters, and 

other traumatic events are often 

unpredictable. The EAP can 

help employees, managers, and 

teams by developing techniques 

and plans for coping with stress, 

facilitating group debriefing 

sessions, and identifying 

and referring employees to 

professional and community 

resources.

Substance use has a major 

impact on individuals, families, 

communities, and the workplace. 

Employees and families affected 

by substance use or substance 

use disorders can find resources 

to help through the EAP.

All EAP services are 

available to managers. 

EAPs also offer leaders 

management consultation 

and guidance on topics such 

as, supporting employees 

in need, managing troubled 

employees, addressing 

conflict, and positive 

communication techniques.
more information

Contact your local HR office to find your agency EAP Administrator 

or search OPM's Work-Life Contact Tool available at: 

https://www.opm.gov/CCLContact/.

Additional information is available at 

www.opm.gov/worklife.