What are employee assistance programmes?

An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is a confidential workplace benefit that gives employees access to professional support for personal or work-related issues that may affect their wellbeing or performance at work.

EAPs are typically provided by employers and offer services such as mental health support, counselling, legal guidance, financial advice, and practical wellbeing resources. Employees can usually access this support independently and in confidence, without their employer being informed of personal details.

For employers, an EAP is a practical way to support staff wellbeing, demonstrate duty of care, and help employees manage challenges before they escalate into absence or long-term issues.

What does an Employee Assistance Programme include?

The exact services available depend on the provider, but most Employee Assistance Programmes offer support across several key areas.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Employees can access confidential counselling or emotional support for issues such as stress, anxiety, low mood, bereavement, relationship difficulties, or work-related pressure.

Legal advice

Many EAPs provide access to legal guidance on matters such as housing, consumer rights, family issues, or employment concerns, helping employees understand their options without needing to source private advice.

Financial support

EAPs often include financial guidance, such as debt advice, budgeting support, or help dealing with financial stress that may be affecting an employee’s wellbeing.

Work-life and practical support

Some programmes offer advice on childcare, eldercare, lifestyle concerns, or managing work-life balance, helping employees navigate practical challenges alongside work responsibilities.

How does an EAP work for employees?

Employee Assistance Programmes are designed to be simple, confidential, and easy to access.

Employees can usually contact the EAP directly by phone, online portal, or app, often 24 hours a day. In most cases, they can self-refer without involving their employer. Managers may also signpost employees to the service when they notice someone struggling, but participation remains voluntary.

Confidentiality is a core feature of EAPs. Employers are not given personal details about who uses the service or why, which helps employees feel safe seeking support early.

Why do employers offer an EAP?

Although an EAP is not a legal requirement in the UK, many employers choose to offer one as part of their wider approach to employee wellbeing and people management.

Supporting employee wellbeing

An EAP gives employees access to professional help during difficult periods, reinforcing that their employer takes wellbeing seriously.

Reducing absence and disruption

Early access to confidential support can help employees manage issues before they lead to prolonged sickness absence or reduced performance.

Demonstrating duty of care

Providing structured wellbeing support helps employers show they are taking reasonable steps to support mental health and personal wellbeing at work.

Creating a healthier workplace culture

EAPs can contribute to a more open, supportive working environment where employees feel encouraged to seek help when they need it.

Examples of EAP services

You can offer a few types of EAP services to your employees in your organisation. All of which can help your workers with any problems they have.

Let's discuss them in more detail:

Counselling

Counselling is an excellent way to manage workplace issues, as well as personal problems.

This EAP service involves an initial assessment, short-term counselling and referral services for your employees and their immediate family (if covered).

Examples are cognitive behavioural therapy or goal-oriented counselling. Sometimes just speaking to someone is the small thing that can start the journey.

Gym memberships

Staying healthy is a key part in a happy and healthy life, so providing gym memberships to your employees can be an important step. Some EAP programmes offer free gym memberships, meaning your employees can have access to a gym with no extra cost to themselves.

Exercise can also help your employees to take their mind off the problems that have been affecting their work, and give them a focus.

Workshops

Workshops are known to tackle stress and improve the work-life balance of your employees. These workshops can range from academic study, to yoga or arts and crafts.

Much like going to the gym, these workshops can help your employees focus on something else rather than the personal or work-life problems they're facing.

Is an Employee Assistance Programme a legal requirement?

No. There is no legal requirement for UK employers to provide an Employee Assistance Programme.

However, EAPs are often used to support wider responsibilities around health, safety, and wellbeing at work. They can complement existing policies, risk assessments, and wellbeing initiatives, but they do not replace formal HR processes or medical care.

EAPs and other employee wellbeing support

An Employee Assistance Programme is different from benefits such as private medical insurance or occupational health services.

EAPs focus on confidential advice, short-term counselling, and early intervention across a wide range of personal and work-related issues. They are typically one part of a broader wellbeing strategy, alongside absence management, mental health policies, and employee support tools.

How to get the most value from an EAP

To ensure an Employee Assistance Programme is effective, employers should:

• Clearly communicate what the EAP offers and how employees can access it

• Reassure employees about confidentiality and independence

• Encourage managers to signpost support appropriately

• Review uptake and employee feedback periodically to ensure the service remains relevant

When employees understand and trust the service, they are more likely to use it when they need support.

Is an EAP service a taxable benefit?

Offering all your employees access to an employee assistance programme as opposed to just your senior members of staff makes it exempt from p11d Benefits in Kind tax.

However, the employee's immediate family can only use some of the benefits tax-free, such as couple or family counselling.

Legal advice for issues not affecting someone's work isn't exempt from tax. You should make your employees aware of this when you offer them the service.

Get the UK's leading and largest Employee Assistance Programme

All employers have a responsibility to look after their employee's physical and mental health, as well as their wellbeing. This can be done by providing a confidential service that allows them to get support with their issues in confidence.

Providing an EAP is an excellent way to support your staff with their personal and working life issues. The services come with a range of superb benefits.

If you're looking for an affordable employee assistance programme, we're here to help.

Book a free demo today or give us a call on 0800 783 2806