The Hidden Value of Unum’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

When employees think about workplace benefits, their first thoughts often go to health insurance, PTO, or a 401(k). But there’s one powerful benefit many people overlook or underuse: the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) — especially when provided through Unum.

Unum’s EAP is a confidential, cost-free service available to employees and often their families. It goes beyond the basics to offer emotional, legal, financial, and life support — exactly when people need it most.

Let’s take a closer look at what Unum’s EAP includes, why it’s so valuable, and how both employees and employers can make the most of it.

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🧠 What Is an EAP?

An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a confidential resource that helps employees manage personal and work-related challenges. Services are:

• Available 24/7
• Often provided at no cost to the employee
• Accessible via phone, web, or app
• Designed to support well-being and reduce burnout, absenteeism, and turnover

💡 If your employer offers Unum benefits, chances are you already have access — but may not realize it.

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✅ What’s Included in Unum’s EAP?

1. Free Confidential Counseling

• Short-term therapy (typically 3–6 sessions per issue)
• Available for stress, anxiety, depression, grief, anger, and more
• Licensed counselors via phone, video, or in person
• Support for individuals, couples, or families

📍 No insurance required. No bills. No reporting to your employer.

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2. Legal Services

• Free legal consultation (usually 30 minutes per issue)
• Discounts on further services (wills, custody, divorce, landlord/tenant disputes)
• Document templates for common legal needs

⚖️ Save hundreds in attorney fees — and get peace of mind.

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3. Financial Assistance

• Budget planning and debt management
• Credit counseling and bankruptcy support
• College savings planning
• Retirement and tax guidance

💰 Whether it’s handling debt or saving smarter, Unum’s financial experts help employees move forward with clarity.

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4. Work-Life Support

• Childcare and eldercare referrals
• Help finding housing or transportation
• Support for navigating adoption or relocation
• Referrals for home repair services, pet care, and more

🧭 Perfect for busy professionals trying to juggle home, work, and everything in between.

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5. Critical Incident and Trauma Response

• On-demand support for grief, violence, or sudden change in the workplace
• Crisis debriefing sessions for teams
• Manager coaching and wellness check-ins

💡 Unum’s EAP supports not just individuals, but entire organizations during difficult times.

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💬 Real-Life Example: Support When It Matters Most

James lost his mother unexpectedly while juggling a demanding work schedule. He:

• Called Unum’s EAP hotline
• Spoke with a grief counselor within 48 hours
• Used free therapy sessions to process loss
• Accessed legal guidance to help manage her estate

💬 “I didn’t know I had this benefit. It saved me from falling apart — and I didn’t pay a thing.”

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📊 Why EAP Usage Matters for Employers

Employees who use EAPs report:

• Reduced stress and absenteeism
• Improved productivity
• Better emotional resilience
• Greater job satisfaction

And for HR leaders, EAPs:

• Lower healthcare and disability costs
• Reduce employee burnout
• Improve retention and morale
• Provide compliance support with ADA and FMLA situations

🎯 EAPs are one of the most impactful, lowest-cost ways to support a healthy workforce.

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📣 How to Promote Unum’s EAP at Your Company

Even if Unum’s EAP is included in your plan, employees won’t use it if they don’t know it exists. Here’s how to fix that:

• Include it in onboarding materials
• Share monthly emails with tips and scenarios
• Put the phone number and website in visible places (break rooms, intranet)
• Host quarterly “well-being spotlights” or mini wellness challenges
• Encourage managers to remind teams it’s confidential and free

💡 Frame it not as therapy, but as life support — because that’s what it is.

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Final Thoughts

Unum’s EAP isn’t just an add-on — it’s a lifeline. Whether you’re managing a personal crisis or just trying to stay ahead of daily stress, this resource is designed to help.

✔️ Free, confidential counseling
✔️ Legal and financial guidance
✔️ Work-life support when you need it
✔️ Immediate access 24/7 — no waiting rooms

👉 If your company offers Unum, don’t let this benefit go unused. And if you’re an HR leader, make sure your team knows: help is always just a call away.