I recently had the chance to attend a High Reliability Organization (HRO) leadership training, and it brought something important into focus. To be a truly great employer, we need to start with people who feel supported and connected. While policies and procedures play a role, what really drives reliability are teams that communicate clearly, adapt to change, and consistently support one another.

At The Ohio State University Employee Assistance Program (EAP), we work every day to help make that kind of workplace possible. We provide a confidential space where employees can turn for help with stress, family concerns, burnout, or conflict. But our work doesn’t stop there. We also help shape environments where people feel they belong.

As EAP professionals and clinicians, we support individuals and teams alike. We help foster open communication, guide groups through challenges, and offer practical tools that build resilience. When people feel connected and know where to find support, they’re better able to stay focused and engaged.

Whether it’s helping a leader navigate a sensitive situation, offering comfort after a loss, or supporting a team as it rebuilds trust, our work strengthens relationships and builds community. These efforts create a foundation of trust that helps teams thrive.

Looking ahead, we’re excited about what becoming a High Reliability Organization means for our faculty, staff, and clinicians. When people know their well-being matters, they’re more committed and invested. That shared sense of care is what makes reliability sustainable and helps create a safe, supportive environment for every employee, and every person, every time.