EAP can assist leaders in making voluntary informal and formal referrals, which can help your employee obtain confidential counseling, support, referrals and more to help him or her manage life's demands at work and at home.

• With informal leader referrals, the employee is usually not experiencing significant performance problems on the job, but you may be concerned that personal problems could affect performance.
• With formal leader referrals, the employee is having performance, conduct or attendance problems, and some level of positive discipline may be taking place.
• Use the EAP Supervisory Referral form to begin the referral process.

Review this flowchart for help determining whether you should use an informal or formal referral.

If you need help determining whether an employee is able to safely perform the essential functions of his or her job with or without an accommodation, see the Fitness for Duty information.

Help us spread the word, post an EAP poster in your office, bulletin board or break room or share a flyer with your team:

• EAP poster
• EAP brochure (for print)
• EAP digital brochure
• Autism/ABA brochure (for print)
• Autism/ABA digital brochure
• Work/Life Balance
• Adult/Elder Care
• Parenting
• Financial/Legal
• Work/Life Benefits
• Mental Health Resources flyer

Whether it’s a natural disaster, the death of a loved one or colleague, a difficult transition, or some other type of crisis, you can help your employees through tough times. Here are some tips:

• Convey your genuine empathy for what your employee(s) are going through.
• Be present, make time for face time, hold frequent team meetings, and have regular one-on-one conversations with employees.
• Ask employees how they are doing, what challenges they are facing and how you can support their recovery and well-being; don’t assume employees are okay or don’t have questions or concerns.
• If appropriate, work with Human Resources to find out what flexibility you can offer in terms of time off, schedules, dress codes, alternative work arrangements, etc.
• Host social activities, such as potlucks, walking breaks or other relaxing activities.
• Refer employees to EAP for additional support. EAP support is available 24/7 at 888-445-4436 – and they can set up phone, video, or in-person counseling sessions at no cost. Many locations have onsite counselors who are available for stress and crisis debriefing.
• Set up a crisis debriefing with EAP by calling the EAP hotline at 1-888-445-4436.
• Share these tip sheets with employees:
  • Coping with Uncertainty*
  • Support for Disaster Responders
  • After a Traumatic Event: How to Help Yourself
• Read these tip sheets for leaders:
  • Leading During Challenges*
  • Helping Yourself and Your Employees after Trauma
  • Mental Health Awareness for Leaders*

*Must be connected to PG&E network to view.

The EAP provides free trainings/presentations to workgroups on a variety of topics that include:

• Coping with change,
• Stress management,
• Alcohol and drug education,
• Preparing for retirement, and
• How to take advantage of EAP services.

Find a list of available presentation topics here. To request a presentation tailored to the needs of your workgroup, email Heather Holladay. If possible, please provide the proposed training date, topic, location, presentation length and estimated number of participants.

Retirement readiness workshop

To attend the retirement readiness workshop, go to PG&E@Work for Me > About Me > Learning > My Learning > Smart Search. In the search field, type the course code: CORE-9026VL.

This workshop will help you prepare psychologically and emotionally for retirement. A representative from the EAP will talk about the different stages of retirement and will explore steps you can take to transition to new routines in retirement.

Suicide ranks as the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. and more than one million people die each year from suicide. Suicide prevention starts with recognizing the warning signs and taking them seriously.

As a leader it may be unsettling to have an employee talk about harming themselves. You may feel ill-prepared and wonder what you should do. If you have an employee who is struggling and talking about harming themselves, take it seriously and act. If your employee is in crisis and needs immediate help, call 9-1-1, then Corporate Security.

• EAP and Corporate Security Suicide Prevention Fact Sheet*
• If a Loved One or an Employee Talks of Suicide*
• For Managers: Suicide Prevention

*Must be connected to PG&E network to view.

We are in the midst of the deadliest drug crisis in American history. It can affect anyone. If you or a dependent are seeking treatment for an opioid use disorder, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) offers the best chance for a successful recovery. Work with your local onsite EAP counselor or call the EAP hotline at 1-888-445-4436 to find the best treatment center for your situation. You can also contact one of the Peer Volunteers, fellow employees who are in long-term recovery and can help 24/7. Click here to learn more about the opioid crisis and how you can help end it.