New legislation brings clarifications to confidentiality and Employee Assistance Program 

By Janet McIntosh  ICSEW Executive Co-secretary  OLYMPIA–Some legislation signed into law this year will bring some changes to the state Employee Assistance Program, EAP. Substitute Senate Bill 5564, will eliminate some ambiguity concerning confidentiality laws in accordance with the EAP. The state’s EAP is a free, confidential program to promote the health, safety and wellbeing…

Post-Election Support Resource Guide

This week, the Washington State Employee Assistance program is offering a special series of live post-election support sessions. One per day on weekdays starting the day after Election Day through Monday, November 9. The EAP is also offering several webinars on keeping up on your mental health and wellbeing. Below are the details from the…

Cancelled by COVID 19: Managing Disappointment

Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in the May 2020 Washington State Employee Assistance Program Newsletter In addition to fear and anxiety, COVID-19 is causing many to struggle with feelings of disappointment. Whether it is a cancelled celebration or a postponed vacation, If not managed in a healthy way, disappointment can lead to lingering feelings…

Tips to Keep the Holidays Stress Free

Editor’s Note: this article first appeared on the Washington State Department of Corrections’ intranet. The holidays are in full swing. That means extra guests, menu planning, events and managing budgets. Here are some tips on how to manage stress during the festivities. Tips for Dealing With Holiday Stress  Make Your Well Being a Priority If you don’t take…

Tips for a Good Night's Sleep

Editor’s note: The Washington State Department of Enterprise Services‘ Employee Assistance Program publishes a monthly Frontline newsletter that’s full of tips for maintaining a healthy work life balance and tips to succeed in the workplace. It’s available to all state employees. You can read this month’s newsletter here, as well as sign up to receive…