January 19, 2009

Business Insurance

Layoffs Spark Surge in Assistance Program Usage

Demand for the services provided by employee assistance programs is growing as the slumping economy results in more layoffs. Adequate employee assistance during layoffs can help not only those losing their jobs but also maintain post-layoff productivity and morale of the staff that remains, experts say.

EAPs also can offer a number of layoff-related services, such as financial and emotional counseling in addition to outplacement services.

It is important to work with employees who have kept their jobs, and that includes working closely with managers to keep morale up among employees and themselves. “(Managers) will call in and talk with our counselors about having dealt with that situation,” said Anita Madison, vice president of training and consulting with ComPsych Corp. in Chicago, an EAP provider.