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Employee assistance programs: an employer's guide to emerging liability issues
Employee Relations Law Journal
|April 1, 1992
Summary
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) boost productivity but can lead to employer lawsuits. Adhering to guidelines can minimize risks associated with EAP implementation and investment.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Human Resources Management
- Legal Studies
Background:
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are increasingly adopted by employers to support employees with personal issues impacting work.
- While EAPs enhance productivity, they also introduce potential employer liability due to employee lawsuits alleging harm from services.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the dual nature of EAPs: their productivity benefits and associated legal risks.
- To provide guidelines for employers to mitigate liability risks while maximizing EAP benefits.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on EAP effectiveness and employer liability.
- Analysis of legal precedents and risk management strategies for EAP implementation.
Main Results:
- EAPs demonstrably increase employee productivity and performance.
- A significant risk of litigation exists for employers offering EAPs, stemming from employee claims of harm.
Conclusions:
- Employers can significantly reduce EAP-related legal risks by implementing specific risk management guidelines.
- Strategic adherence to guidelines makes EAPs a worthwhile investment, balancing benefits with manageable liability.