Which of the following is recommended as a workplace self-care practice?

• A. Use the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offered by your workplace.
• B. Ignore distressing situations at work.
• C. Skip breaks to finish work faster.
• D. Rely solely on caffeine to cope.

Answer: (A)

Accessing workplace self-care resources like the Employee Assistance Program is a practical, recommended way to manage work-related stress. EAPs provide confidential counseling and support from licensed professionals, help with coping strategies for burnout and personal or work problems, and can offer referrals for ongoing care. Because the service is confidential and typically available through the employer, it reduces barriers and stigma, making it easier to seek help early before stress escalates and affects safety, performance, or relationships at work.

Reasons the other options aren’t suitable: ignoring distress allows problems to grow and can jeopardize safety and effectiveness; skipping breaks deprives you of necessary recovery, leading to reduced focus and more mistakes; relying on caffeine to cope addresses only temporary fatigue and can worsen sleep, anxiety, and long-term stress. Formal support like an EAP addresses the underlying stress with evidence-based strategies and appropriate resources.