Employee & Family Assistance Plans (EFAP)

Supporting Mental Health, Well-Being, and Resilience in the Workplace

Healthy minds make strong teams. Employee & Family Assistance Plans (EFAPs) give your employees and their loved ones confidential access to professional counselling, mental health resources, and life support services — whenever they need it most.

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What Is an Employee & Family Assistance Plan (EFAP)?

An EFAP is a confidential, employer-sponsored program that provides short-term counselling, guidance, and wellness resources for employees and their families. It helps them address personal or work-related challenges that may affect mental health, job performance, or overall quality of life.

Through Workplace Benefits, employers can access EFAP solutions from top Canadian providers — including Manulife, Sun Life, Canada Life, and Morneau Shepell (LifeWorks) — customized for organizations of all sizes. We serve clients across Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario, helping businesses foster a healthier, more resilient workforce.

Why EFAP Coverage Matters

For Employees

Confidential mental health and counselling support.

Access to 24/7 phone, virtual, or in-person assistance.

Guidance for personal, family, financial, or legal challenges.

Improved emotional well-being, resilience, and life satisfaction.

For Employers

Enhances productivity and reduces absenteeism.

Builds a caring, supportive workplace culture.

Demonstrates commitment to employee mental health.

Reduces turnover and improves long-term engagement.

When employees feel supported, they bring their best selves to work — leading to stronger teams and healthier workplaces.

Types of EFAP Support

Workplace Benefits offers flexible EFAP options designed for organizations of all sizes and industries:

Core EFAP Programs

Confidential counselling for personal, family, or workplace concerns.

Enhanced Wellness Programs

Include coaching, resilience training, and digital self-help tools.

Family & Dependent Access

Extend support to spouses, partners, and children.

Custom Corporate Programs

Integrate EFAP services with health, wellness, and disability management.

All programs are designed to be accessible, stigma-free, and tailored to your organization’s needs.

What’s Typically Included

A comprehensive EFAP plan may include:

24/7 confidential counselling (in-person, phone, or online)

Stress, anxiety, and depression management

Family, relationship, and parenting support

Financial and legal consultation services

Addiction and substance use counselling

Career and workplace conflict guidance

Trauma and grief support

Wellness resources, workshops, and digital tools

With flexible delivery options and multilingual support, EFAPs ensure every employee has access to the help they need — when they need it.

How Workplace Benefits Works With Employers

Our four-step process ensures your EFAP program is strategic, supportive, and sustainable:

Assess

Understand your organization’s workforce, culture, and wellness goals.

1

Compare

Review EFAP options from top Canadian providers.

2

Customize

Design a program that fits your team’s needs and budget.

3

Support

Provide ongoing monitoring, reporting, and program updates.

4

As an independent employee benefits broker, Workplace Benefits delivers unbiased recommendations — ensuring your EFAP integrates seamlessly with your overall benefits strategy.

Why Choose Workplace Benefits

Independent Expertise

Independent broker with access to all major EFAP providers

Tailored Solutions

Deep expertise in mental health and employee wellness benefits

Dedicated Support

Custom solutions for small, medium, and large organizations

Cost Optimization

Transparent, consultative approach with full ongoing support

National Reach

National expertise with local service across AB, BC, and ON

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about employee health benefits

What types of issues can an EFAP help with?

EFAPs assist with personal, family, mental health, financial, and workplace concerns — providing counselling and resources for a wide range of challenges.

Are EFAP services confidential?

Yes — EFAP providers guarantee full confidentiality. Employers never see individual usage details.

Can family members access EFAP services?

Yes, most EFAP programs include spouses, partners, and dependent children.

How do employees access EFAP services?

Employees can contact providers 24/7 via phone, app, or website. Counselling can be delivered virtually or in person.

How much does an EFAP cost for employers?

Programs are typically priced per employee per month and can be scaled to fit any budget. Workplace Benefits will help you find the most cost-effective option.

Get Started with an EFAP for Your Team

Support your employees’ mental health and well-being with a compassionate, confidential EFAP program. Whether you’re introducing new mental health support or improving existing coverage, Workplace Benefits will help you find the right partner, plan, and price.