HR Professionals/Employers

Employee Assistance programs originate from industrial social services that emerged in the late 1800s and early 1900s, mainly in North America. Over the years, they became known as Employee Assistance programs and their focus narrowed at one point to address pressing issues such as alcoholism and drug abuse. In the late 20th century they expanded to include a range of individual problems relating to personal, family and workplace issues. Recently EAP has expanded to include organizational health interventions, trauma in the workplace, promotion of health and wellness, and work-life balance issues. It is now expanding further to address broad workplace mental health and productivity issues for employees and employers to address problems of absenteeism and presenteeism (being at work but largely non-productive).

Most successful companies have some form of EAP. EASNA can assist HR professionals and Employers learn more about EAPs, what how they may assist employees and employers along with HR professionals to improve workplace productivity and wellness.

Evaluative studies and information on return on investment related to EAP are posted in the EASNA website for your perusal in the research page.

We have also posted iInformation on accreditation of EAP and list of consultants and experts in the field. Credentials and training for EAP counselors may be found in the Clinicians section. You will also find information about Worklife and other services we hope you find useful.

EAP is considered a valuable benefit by employees, and as an essential investment by employers, your EASNA membership can help you maximize the value of the EAP for your organization.

EASNA Corporte Awards of Excellence

Annually EASNA recognizes one Canadian and one US company with its Corporate Awards of Excellence. Nominations are reviewed by a three-member panel of judges seeking to identify companies that have worked in partnership with EAP providers to design and integrate a program that enhances employee well-being and enables the company to work toward a healthy and productive workplace.

Nominees supply the following information to the review committee:

• What makes the particular EAP program utilized by the company up for nomination unique or award worthy? 

• How has the company up for nomination integrated the EAP program into its operation?
• What results has the company obtained because of this integration?

Winners are announced in March and recognized at the association's annual conference, the EASNA Institute.

Previous Corporate Award Winners

2005 Winners

• Bank of Nova Scotia
• Verizon

2006 Winners

• Canada Post
• Johnson & Johnson

2007 Winners

• University of Toronto
• Partner's Healthcare

How to Apply

Contact EASNA Headquarters for the deadline for the next awards program.