Ask the Lawyer received the following question (paraphrased for easier reading and clarity) from a reader on a legal matter that might be of interest to the entire audience. Q: I read the previous article on how Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) came into existence. Are there other reasons to refer to an EAP besides alcohol or drug use? What about if your husband is an alcoholic or if your spouse is physically abusive and that has led to poor performance? A: EAPs can be used for very broad purposes, including all those mentioned in this inquiry. The reason for the…
Browsing: EAP
Employee assistance programs (EAPs) have existed for many years in all agencies. For managers, they are available as a place to refer an employee who may have conduct or performance problems on the job or otherwise may be having a tough time. For employees with personal problems, they are free, competent and mostly confidential sources of help. All employees and supervisors should understand the basics of the programs to ensure maximum use and fulfillment of legal requirements. First, managers should know that agencies are required by law to have EAPs. Thus, it is not just some nice-to-have, optional employee benefit and…
Ask the Lawyer received the following paraphrased question from a reader on a legal matter that might be of interest to the entire audience. Q: How should a federal supervisor handle a situation where an employee has voluntarily confessed substance abuse to the supervisor? Should the supervisor send the employee to an employee assistance program (EAP), talk to human relations staff, or report the employee to security staff? A: Substance Abusing Subordinates A supervisor who suspects substance abuse, or who has an employee confess substance abuse, has a particular challenge. First, the supervisor should be aware that current substance abuse,…