At Union Pacific Railroad, our training and safety mindset are embedded in everything we do. From building trains, to maintaining tracks and repairing rail cars – for the safety of every employee, mental health is always a top priority. To support these efforts, Union Pacific’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) has recently hosted a series of classes for new field volunteers deepening their understanding of company services, programs, policies, benefits and outreach efforts.
Nearly 70 craft professional volunteers from across the system were trained in Fort Worth, Texas; Roseville, California; Kansas City, Missouri; and Omaha, Nebraska, with one goal in mind: provide support when it’s needed most, with access to immediate resources that can help.
“Our trained volunteers are the essential bridge connecting our employees to invaluable resources,” said Jeff Davis, senior manager-EAP, Human Resources. “They bolster our strong systemwide network of passionate employee volunteers – empowering their peers to better manage life events and safely navigate the challenges we all face in our daily lives at home and work.”
Union Pacific's EAP provides counseling referral services for employees and their families experiencing challenges relating to depression, anxiety, relationship issues, substance abuse and grief counseling. These services continue to be readily utilized by employees and their dependents.
Volunteers from every craft debriefed on employee-led outreach best practices, mental health education, and substance misuse signs and symptoms, as well as information about Union Pacific's employee-run nonprofit Friend to Friend Network.
“There’s support from the company at its highest level, and there are many volunteers ready to support their co-workers in a time of need,” said field volunteer Cathy Gregg, a mechanical service operator at Union Pacific’s Roseville Locomotive Shop in California. “My co-workers are an extension of my family, so I'm always willing to listen and guide them to the right resources.”
Extending sincere thanks to past and present volunteers, Davis said, “They serve as knowledgeable guides offering timely support, which ultimately fosters a healthier and more resilient workforce.”
Union Pacific encourages any employee interested in volunteering to contact program project coordinators for more information.
Employees and their families can call the 24/7 EAP Helpline at (800) 779-1212 for confidential assistance and referrals to resources that can help.
Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. If you, your family or others need assistance, please contact the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - call or text 988 to get immediate, free and confidential support from a trained counselor.
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