Employee Assistance Program
(EAP)

External psychological
and
psychosocial employee counselling

An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is an employer-funded, external and confidential counselling service. It enables employees, managers and business owners to access professional support quickly and easily, without lengthy waiting times.

Many organisations face the challenge that employees receive support for personal difficulties too late—or not at all. I provide an external, confidential point of contact that employees can approach directly and without unnecessary bureaucracy. Difficulties in professional or personal life can have a direct impact on well-being, concentration and work performance. The earlier support is available, the greater the opportunity to address concerns before they become more entrenched.

Whether the issue involves psychological distress, conflict within a team or partnership, parenting questions, substance use, financial concerns or legal uncertainty, Viaccordis’ EAP provides a protected and confidential setting for personal and professional concerns. The service is also available to managers and business owners.

For organisations, EAPs can form an important part of their occupational health and well-being provision. Research indicates that EAP use is associated with improvements in functioning, presenteeism and absenteeism. Early counselling can help address concerns before they become more entrenched and potentially contribute to impaired health or extended absence from work. Studies from different countries suggest that qualified external employee-assistance services are associated with a significant improvement in individuals’ situations in more than 80% of cases. The service is, of course, also available to managers and business owners.

EAPs originated in the United States and are now established internationally. My employee assistance service is designed to be flexible, with no long-term package commitment or high fixed base fees. Services are offered transparently on a per-session basis.

Consultations can take place at my practice in Friedberg, by telephone, online or directly at your company’s premises. The content of all counselling sessions is treated in strict confidence. Where necessary, I can refer clients to specialised therapeutic or medical services. In urgent situations, I can also be reached at short notice via my emergency hotline.

In addition, I conduct the legally required psychosocial risk assessment (psychische Gefährdungsbeurteilung, GB-Psych) in accordance with Section 5 of the German Occupational Health and Safety Act (ArbSchG). Its purpose is to identify psychosocial risk factors in the workplace systematically and to develop practical strategies for addressing them together with company owners or management. German occupational-safety requirements expressly include psychosocial factors in workplace risk assessments.

Added value for your company

As a CEAP-certified Employee Assistance Professional, I meet the internationally recognised professional standards of the Employee Assistance Professionals Association (EAPA). The CEAP® credential is the “Gold Standard” in the Employee Assistance field and signifies competence in the specialist knowledge and skills required for professional employee-assistance practice.

I would be happy to explain in a no-obligation personal consultation how your organisation and its employees can benefit from a tailored, professionally designed and implemented EAP.

Areas of advice offered by an EAP

Absences due to psychological stress

Sick leave attributable to psychological stress and mental health conditions has risen sharply. In Germany, the number of work-absence days due to mental health conditions increased by 48% between 2012 and 2022—more than the 35% increase recorded across all other diagnostic groups.

Waiting times for psychological and psychotherapeutic care can be substantial. An EAP can provide employees with a prompt, confidential point of contact and help bridge the gap until further support or treatment is available, where needed.

Effects of an EAP

Reduced absenteeism
Higher employee satisfaction
Greater support and relief for managers
Effective early intervention and prevention
Lower employee turnover
Reduced presenteeism
Stronger employee retention and organisational commitment
Return on investment (ROI) through avoided productivity losses and reduced turnover at least at 1:4

Employee satisfaction

There is a significant positive correlation between an EAP and employee satisfaction.

In a 2023 study was found that 87% of respondents report being very or somewhat satisfied with their employer. In organisations without an EAP, this figure is substantially lower, at 61%.

An EAP signals to employees that their employer takes personal and work-related challenges seriously and provides confidential support when needed. Easy access, confidentiality and timely availability are key to ensuring that employees can make use of the service.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

External psychological and psychosocial employee counselling