Whether it’s a factory, a law firm, or a hospital, no company or organization is immune to distressed employees. As much as individuals try to keep their personal issues outside of the workplace, the inevitable stresses of life…a death in the family, child care challenges, financial problems…are likely to leak into every office. When left unresolved, these issues can spiral out of control and translate into poor work performance, increased absenteeism, depression, substance abuse, and more.

That’s why Gateway Rehabilitation Center’s Back on Track Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is here. “We serve as the safety net to helping employees regain control of their lives, their health, and their productivity,” said Sam Anderson, Gateway Rehab’s vice president of community services.

Since its inception in 1985, Back on Track has provided more than 100,000 employees and their families with professional counseling and other employee assistance services. The program, headquartered in Cranberry Township, currently serves approximately 100 regional companies that range in size from 12 to more than 4,000 employees.
Studies show that for every dollar invested in employee assistance services, the average savings to the company is $3 to $5.

“It’s costly to fire somebody, then hire and train a new person,” said Sally Litell, manager of Back on Track. “Employee assistance services have a profound effect on reducing turnover, saving money, and improving the quality of life for employees and their families.”

Back on Track offers both business and clinical counseling by master’s degree level professionals. Its comprehensive services include a confidential 24-hour, toll-free hotline; assessment and referral to therapy for employees and their family; supervisory consultations; and educational/wellness trainings for employees. The program also teaches managers how to recognize individuals who might benefit from EAP services.

“Life issues have a direct impact on productivity on the job,” said Michael Phillips, manager of project safety, medical, and workers’ compensation for Allegheny Energy, an investor-owned utility company with over $3 billion in annual revenues and more than 4,000 employees. Allegheny Energy has been a client of Back on Track for over 20 years. “Back on Track’s trainings for supervisors have been very beneficial in helping us identify early warning signs of distressed employees,” added Phillips.

People call Back on Track EAP for help in dealing with a variety of situations, such as anger, depression, anxiety, stress, relationships, debt, aging parents, and alcohol or drug dependencies. Employees and their dependent family members are provided with confidential and convenient access to help with therapists throughout the region. After a few EAP sessions, most clients feel that their problems are resolved. Those who need further help with handling life issues are referred to a therapist within their health insurance provider network.

For an additional fee, clients can sign up for their employees to have access to Back on Track’s special interactive work-life website, featuring thousands of resources, from childcare and education to legal and financial services.

“Back On Track’s work-life website and online training programs have been very valuable to our employees both personally and professionally,” said Bill Van Fossan, director of human resources at Glade Run Lutheran Services in Zelienople, Pa. According to Van Fossan, the informational sessions offered several times a year by Back on Track are a “huge hit,” allowing Glade Run employees to earn training credits toward their required annual certification.

Holy Family Institute in Pittsburgh’s Bellevue section has been providing its employees with Back On Track’s employee assistance services for 15 years. “Every employee at one time or another needs a helping hand,” said Sister Rita Fanning, president of Holy Family Institute. “We can truly depend on Back On Track staff to be there for our employees, treating them with respect and dignity.”

When asked in surveys, the majority of employers respond that people are their greatest asset. “Investing in an EAP is an investment in people,” said Litell. “What makes Back on Track unique is that our clients are not treated as ‘just another number.’ We go to great lengths to ensure that both the needs of the employee and the employer are met.”
For more information on Back on Track’s services, call 888-899-1100 or visit www.backontrackeap.com.

Back to top