2 1 INSTITUTE FOR WORK & HEALTH
Ravi was recently diagnosed with depression by his family doctor, who prescribed medication and referred
Ravi to a psychiatrist. Ravi hoped to continue working, but the medication wasn't working and he was
worried that his depression symptoms would get worse during the three-month wait to see a psychiatrist.
He feared this would force him to go off work.
Ravi had been told about his workplace's EAP during his orientation five years ago when he first joined the
company. However, the EAP as a potential resource did not cross his mind after his diagnosis. He had so
many things to worry about.
Luckily, Nora, the HR manager, was diligent in regularly reminding workers about the EAP and its services
through emails, articles in the workplace newsletter, and notices posted on bulletin boards throughout the
workplace.
One such notice on the lunch room bulletin board caught Ravi's eye. He contacted the EAP and was able
to get six free counselling sessions. This gave him some relief while he remained on the wait list until it was
his turn to see the psychiatrist.
Case Study:
The EAP reminder
• Make sure all workers are aware of your workplace's EAP and the
services it offers
• Implementation tip: Employees may be concerned about their
privacy if they use an EAP. Make sure to be clear that EAP services
are confidential.
