A broker’s tool for showing the real-world impact of the EAP—without breaking confidentiality
Quarterly reports and utilization charts don’t tell the full story of how an EAP helps people. The power of the Employee Assistance Program comes alive when we connect it to the lived experiences of the people it serves.
As a broker, you can use stories—anonymized, aggregated, and composite—to help your clients see the human side of the benefit. These use cases illustrate how the EAP meets people in moments of crisis, change, and growth.
Story 1: “Erica,” a Teacher Navigating Grief and Burnout
Context: Erica, a public school teacher in her late 30s, lost her mother suddenly while already feeling overwhelmed from a tough school year.
What She Needed: Someone to talk to who understood both personal grief and workplace stress. A space to process without burdening her colleagues.
How the EAP Helped:
- Connected with a counselor within 3 days
- Received 5 virtual sessions for grief support
- Referred to a local therapist for longer-term care
- Given resources on managing stress during the school year
Outcome: Erica stayed in her role, reported feeling “seen and supported,” and referred two coworkers to the EAP.
Story 2: “James,” a New Manager Facing Imposter Syndrome
Context: James, recently promoted in a logistics company, was quietly struggling with confidence and work-life balance.
What He Needed: Coaching and validation—not therapy. A confidential place to talk through leadership doubts.
How the EAP Helped:
- Scheduled a 1:1 coaching session within a week
- Worked on goal setting, time boundaries, and leadership mindset
- Received a personalized follow-up plan
Outcome: James re-engaged with his team, stopped considering resignation, and felt empowered to set healthier boundaries.
Story 3: “Elena,” a Caregiver and Admin Assistant Overwhelmed by Debt
Context: Elena, a single mother, was caring for her elderly father while trying to manage mounting credit card debt.
What She Needed: Concrete, immediate help with her financial situation—plus someone who could help her find balance.
How the EAP Helped:
- Connected with a financial consultant and developed a debt repayment strategy
- Scheduled short-term counseling for stress management
- Accessed a daily living referral service to help with caregiving support
Outcome: Elena avoided bankruptcy, reduced her stress levels, and shared the EAP number with her teenage daughter, who was struggling emotionally.
How to Use These Stories with Clients
- In presentations or proposals to humanize the EAP’s value
- During open enrollment or onboarding discussions
- When reviewing quarterly data—pair metrics with meaning
Final Word for Brokers
EAPs are more than numbers—they’re lifelines. These stories show what it looks like when employees actually use the benefit. And they give HR leaders a reason to invest in keeping it visible, accessible, and supported.