The term "Employee Assistance Program" is not governed by any industry standards and therefore can range from literally a "paper program" to quality comprehensive "core technology" services. The following are some of the major questions that should be asked of all EAP vendors.

Does the EAP exhibit the flexibility to customize a plan to suite your organization's needs? Does the EAP provide 24-hour live coverage?

Does the EAP provide promotional activities and materials throughout the year to ensure that employees are constantly aware of the program services?

Does the EAP offer monthly newsletters?

Does the EAP have an informational and interactive website?

Does the EAP offer a separate newsletter designed specifically for managers and supervisors?

Does the EAP provide an administrative telephone consultation process to help managers address unacceptable job performance?

Does the EAP offer workplace trauma debriefings? Are professional counselors available to work with employees when they call the EAP for assistance?

Does the EAP have a comprehensive network of counselors in locations accessible to employees for face-to-face EAP sessions?

Does the EAP have account executives assigned to your organization? Does the EAP provide utilization reports?