Stevensville resident John Parsons is putting his 20+ years of Employee Assistance Program (EAP) experience as an EAP counselor, Wellness Coordinator and EAP Administrator, to use in his new business, Sapphire Resource Connection. Parsons created this Montana based corporation in 2010 for the benefit of area businesses, their employees and family members.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) are a valuable resource that can help employees cope with critical issues in an increasingly complex and challenging world. It is believed there is a relationship between an organization’s self-interests and the ability of employees to work to their fullest potential. Marital and family problems, conflicts among co-workers and managers, depression, other psychological conditions, and substance abuse – these are just some of the personal issues and problems that have a direct impact on employee well-being and, as a result, an organization’s bottom line.
EAP counselors (licensed masters or PhD level) typically provide assessment, support, and, if needed, referrals to additional resources. Sapphire Resource Connection’s EAP has at least eighty (80) counselors available state, as well as nation-wide.
An EAP’s services are usually free to the employee and their household members, having been pre-paid by the employer. Confidentiality is maintained in accordance with privacy laws and ethical standards.
Some studies indicate that offering EAP’s may result in various benefits for employers, including lower medical costs (since using an EAP for mental health and chemical dependency issues can reduce an employer’s health insurance claims experience), reduced turnover and absenteeism and higher productivity. EAP’s also provide other services to employers, such as supervisory consultations, support to troubled work teams, training and education programs and critical incident (Critical Incident Stress Debriefing) services.
Sapphire Resource Connection (SRC) is a full service, stand-alone Employee Assistance Program, able to provide any and all of the services previously noted. John and his staff are delighted and proud to introduce this new and innovative service to area businesses. For more information, John can be reached by calling (406) 240-9118 and/or checking out SRC’s website – www.sr-connection.com.