HomeMy WebLinkAbout8C Employee Asst ProgramSTAFF AGENDA REPORT
AGENDA #:
PREPARED BY:
SUBJECT:
DATE:
8C
FRANK BOYLES, CITY MANAGER
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
DECEMBER 19, 1994
BACKGROUND:
DISCUSSION:
ISSUES:
The recommendation is to implement an employee assistance program
which would be available to all full time, part time and volunteer
employees and their families effective January 1, 1995. Council
authorization to execute the contract is requested.
City services are provided for the most part by people. About 60% of our
general fund budget is associated with personnel related costs.
Consequently, steps the city can take to improve employee effectiveness
can result in a substantial cost savings and service improvement.
The initiation of an employee assistance program is an example of a step
an employer can take to insure the effectiveness and peace of mind for
its employees. An employee assistance program is a counseling service
available to employees and their family to discuss problems they have
which if left untreated could ultimately affect job performance. The
employee assistance program is a diagnostic and referral service. Their
job is to try to identify the nature of the problem the employee or family
member is having and put the individual in contact with a resource who
can provide them with assistance.
Some may see the employee assistance program as prying into an
employee's personal life. This is not the case since the employee
assistance program is totally confidential. The employer may not find out
the nature of the problem or solutions proposed. All such data is
protected by confidentiality laws.
There are two discrete benefits of this program for the city. First, the
program provides a resource for employees and their family to help them
solve problems before the problems are observed as reduced job
performance or increased absenteeism. Second, the program is also
available for supervisors to refer employees if the problems begin to
impact performance.
We have checked costs on such programs and find the range to be from
$1,200 per year to $2,700 per year. The firm submitting the lowest
proposal is the Shakopee Mdewakanton Dakota Community Network
Employee Services. This is the employee assistance program that
serves Little Six, Inc. employees. Part of the agreement requires
confidentiality between this organization, the city and Little Six, Inc. In
return for that fee NES provides:
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4629 Dakota St. S.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372-1714 / Ph. (612) 447-4230 / Fax (612) 447-4245
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
ALTERNATIVES:
RECOMMENDATION:
ACTION REQUIRED:
FAGN8D.WRT
FAGN8C (CC)
Confidential diagnostic and referral services
Employee orientation sessions
Supervisory training
Maintenance of confidential files
Mailings to employees.
Council has the following alternatives:
Authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute an
agreement with the Shakopee Mdewakanton Dakota
Community Network Employee Services.
2. Table for further information.
3. Deny the request.
Alternate #1.
Motion and second to authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into
a contract to provide employee assistance services for calendar year
1995 to city employees. This program will be evaluated at the end of the
year to assess its effectiveness.
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