Success factors of employee assistance programs (EAP)
In collaboration with pme Familienservice and the futurologists from GIM-Foresight, new&able has presented the empirical study “EAP-Success-Factors”. The study explores how employee assistance programs are perceived and which components influence employee acceptance and satisfaction.
Many companies see an increasing need for measures to increase their attractiveness as an employer, both in the context of attracting new employees and in retaining their employees. Young employees in particular have far more differentiated expectations when selecting companies. Organizations should pay more attention to the private lives of their employees, offer more flexibility in the context of mobile working and also pay more attention to a sustainable corporate culture that also takes into account the physical and mental well-being of employees.
The benefits of EAP programs
Against this background, companies are increasingly offering support services that focus particularly on the professional and private issues of their employees. In Germany, the focus is often on the compatibility of family and career, but comprehensive health management is also increasingly offered, with sports and relaxation programs, health advice and also psychosocial advice and coaching in difficult life situations.
The focus is on the following objective:
- Retention of staff: Savings are achieved through lower staff turnover and the retention of employees with children or relatives in need of care.
- Recruitment: Qualified staff and managers can be recruited because, according to surveys, work-life balance is an increasingly important criterion for choosing an employer.
- Reduced absenteeism: Employees’ sick days are reduced because family commitments and health problems are minimized.
- Increased performance: By reducing stress factors, employees can concentrate better on their work and at the same time prevent health problems.
Results of the study: Clear benefits of EAP visible
The study clearly confirms the added value of EAP programs for companies. Comparing the satisfaction of employees in companies with and without EAP, there is a clear positive correlation between EAP and employee satisfaction. 87% of respondents in companies with EAP say they are very or somewhat satisfied with their employer, while this figure is significantly lower at 61% in companies without EAP.
This is also reflected in the employer attractiveness. When asked how likely they are to recommend their employer to friends or acquaintances, 48% of respondents in companies with EAP said this was very likely. In companies without EAP, only 24% of respondents would recommend their employer. Here, the number of critical employees even clearly exceeds the number of promoters of the company.
EAP can have a positive impact on both employees and the company’s image: from reducing stress and absenteeism, to promoting enjoyment at work and satisfaction with the employer, to supporting the image of being progressive, innovative and employee-oriented.
However, it is often underestimated that the impact of support offers depends strongly on the concrete design and communication of such measures. So it is not enough to offer any programs. In the study “EAP Success Factors” you will find answers as to how such programs are perceived and which components have a less strong influence on the acceptance and satisfaction of employees.
The detailed results of the study regarding the focus, expectations and influencing factors of EAP programs can be found in the white paper, which we will be happy to provide you with upon contact.
The study results were presented in a livestream on November 14, 2023 by the authors of the study. You can watch the livestream recording again at https://pme.link/jv3.
You can find more information about the newable EAP program here.
Contact:
Marlon Meierhöfer
Tel. 0179 – 775 896 9
m.meierhoefer@newandable.com
