New study: How important is employee assisstance (EAP) for companies?
(Frankfurt/Berlin, November 14, 2023) Today, the pme Familienservice Group presented the "EAP-Success-Factors" study in a livestream.
The futurologists at GIM-Foresight conducted the empirical study "EAP-Success-Factors" on behalf of pme Familienservice . The study explores how employee assistance programs (EAPs) are perceived and which components influence employee acceptance and satisfaction.
The benefits of EAP
Many companies see a growing need for measures to increase employer attractiveness, both in the context of attracting new employees and retaining their employees.
Against this backdrop, companies are increasingly offering support services dedicated to employees' professional and private issues. In Germany, the focus is often on work-life balance, but comprehensive health management with sports and relaxation programs as well as health advice and psychosocial counselling and coaching in difficult life situations are increasingly being offered.
"The added value of EAP programs for companies is widely accepted today. However, it is often underestimated that the impact of support offers depends heavily on the specific design and communication of such measures. The 'EAP-Success Factors' study explores how such programs are perceived and which components have a less strong influence on employee acceptance and satisfaction," says Dr. Daniel Erler, Head of Corporate Communications at the pme Familienservice Group.
The study results
EAP is important for employees
In general, employee assistance programs are highly relevant for employees, especially when it comes to work-life balance measures. More than two thirds (70 percent) of those surveyed stated that EAP offers from their employer are important to them. This figure is even higher among managers (77%) than among employees (68%).
Managers are the main users
Managers take advantage of EAP offers far more frequently (87%) than other employees (50%). This indicates that managers are better informed about the offers and at the same time take advantage of such services much more naturally. It can also be assumed that high potentials now have a certain expectation of EAP services and that such offers are increasingly important for the recruitment and retention of managers.
Employees in companies with an EAP are more satisfied
There is a significant positive correlation between employee satisfaction and the range of EAPs on offer. 87% of respondents in companies with an EAP stated that they were very or somewhat satisfied with their employer. For companies without an EAP, this figure is significantly lower at 61 percent.
EAP offers are an indicator of greater employee orientation It can be assumed that companies with an EAP generally pay more attention to the satisfaction, motivation and health of their employees and therefore also have higher satisfaction levels. Ideally, this can promote a positive dynamic of employee satisfaction in that employees feel noticed and valued and therefore pay more attention to their health, which reduces stress, promotes performance and increases satisfaction.
Conclusion
EAPs can have a positive impact on both employees and the company's image: from reducing stress and absenteeism, to promoting enjoyment of work and satisfaction with the employer, to supporting the image as a progressive, innovative and employee-oriented employer.
The use of EAP is very pronounced among managers, while only 50 percent of the employees surveyed had used EAP. The following factors are particularly important for employee use: cost coverage by the employer, diverse offerings, individual and flexible access and usage options and fast access.
Read the results of the entire study in our white paper: https: //pme.link/eap-pm
