What is the primary purpose of an employee assistance program (EAP)?

The primary purpose of an employee assistance program (EAP) is to offer support for personal issues affecting job performance. EAPs are designed to help employees deal with a variety of personal problems, including mental health issues, substance abuse, family difficulties, stress, and financial challenges. By providing counseling services, resources, and guidance, EAPs aim to assist employees in resolving these issues, which can ultimately lead to improved well-being and enhanced productivity in the workplace. The focus on personal issues directly ties to job performance, as unresolved problems in an employee's life can significantly impact their work behavior and effectiveness.

In contrast, enhancing employee productivity, providing financial benefits, or handling recruitment processes, while important functions within a human resources framework, do not capture the core mission of EAPs. Instead, EAPs specifically address personal challenges to support overall employee health and performance.