Management Consultation

Your privacy is protected by law when you use our Employee Assistance Program. Participation is confidential, and information is only shared with your written consent or when required by law. Our licensed psychologists are committed to safeguarding your privacy.
Learn more about EAP confidentiality.

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Expert Guidance for Navigating Workplace Challenges

Managers and supervisors are essential to team success. Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) psychologists offer free, confidential consultations to help with workplace communication and employee concerns, providing expert guidance on sensitive issues.

How EAP Consultations Help

During a management consultation, you can expect:

  • Guidance on Problem Solving: Learn practical strategies to address employee concerns directly.
  • Informal EAP Referrals: Encourage employees to use EAP services while maintaining their confidentiality.
  • Formal Fitness for Duty Evaluations: Initiate a structured assessment when job performance is significantly affected.

The most appropriate course of action will be discussed with you to ensure the best outcome for both the employee and the workplace.

When to Consult with EAP

Consider reaching out to EAP for support with:

  • Coping with workplace trauma or crisis (e.g., death of a co-worker, natural disaster)
  • Addressing employee personal issues affecting performance, attitude, or attendance
  • Concerns about workplace violence or behavioral risks
  • Questions about possible substance abuse
  • Promoting EAP services to your team
  • Managing workplace stress and building employee resilience
  • Navigating organizational change and transitions

Benefits of Early Intervention

Encouraging your team to use EAP services proactively can help prevent personal or work problems from impacting job performance. Making employees aware of these resources supports a healthier, more productive workplace.

Fitness for Duty Evaluations

A Fitness for Duty evaluation is a formal process used when an employee’s ability to perform their job is in question due to behavioral or health concerns. There are two types of evaluations:

For Cause Evaluation

This evaluation is initiated when there is concern an employee may be impaired by substance use (alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medications).

Process:

  1. Confirm that the situation is not a medical emergency. If you have concerns that an employee may be under the influence, involve a second observer to validate your observations.
  2. Once concerns are confirmed, notify Staff Relations and accompany the employee to Health Services.
  3. As supervisor, notify the Health Services reception desk that a for cause test is needed and complete all required forms.
  4. The employee will undergo substance testing and a medical assessment. The supervisor must remain in the Health Services lobby during this process.
  5. After the assessment, the supervisor may need to assist the employee in getting home safely while test results are pending. The employee is not to drive unless explicitly approved by Health Services.
  6. Health Services will follow up with test results and next steps. This may take several days.
  7. EAP psychologists will assist with the return to work process and support any further treatment planning.

Deteriorating Performance Evaluation

This evaluation is used when an employee’s performance or behavior has declined over time, but there is no immediate safety concern.

Process:

  1. Manager initiates the process, often in collaboration with Staff Relations, EAP, and Medical staff.
  2. A Letter of Expectation is typically provided to the employee.
  3. The extent of evaluation is determined, which may include medical and psychological assessments.
  4. Evaluation results focus on outcome and prognosis, not specific medical details.
  5. Recommendations for work restrictions or accommodations may be provided to support the employee’s return to productivity.

If there is an urgent concern for an employee’s safety or well-being, bring them to Health Services immediately or call 911.

Manager’s Toolkit

Access our comprehensive Manager’s Toolkit (PDF) for practical guidance on topics such as:

  • Recognizing signs of employee distress
  • Managing change in the workplace
  • Building resilience among team members

This toolkit serves as a quick reference for managers supporting employees facing personal or workplace challenges.