A firefighter is frequently late for work caused by personal problems. You should:

• A. Try to solve the problem
• B. Recommend the Employee Assistance Program
• C. Recommend career counseling
• D. Implement preventive actions

Answer: (B)

When personal problems are causing repeated lateness, the supervisor should connect the employee with the Employee Assistance Program. The EAP is a confidential, voluntary service that offers assessment, short-term counseling, and referrals for a range of personal issues—stress, family or relationship problems, substance use, financial or legal concerns—that can affect attendance and job performance. By directing the firefighter to the EAP, you provide professional support that the employee can access discreetly, without you having to try to solve their personal problems yourself. This helps address the root causes, supports safety and reliability on the job, and allows for follow-up with the employee if they choose to share progress. Referring to EAP is more appropriate than attempting to fix the issue directly, offering career counseling, or taking actions that address symptoms rather than underlying issues.