Employee Assistance and Work-Life

Abstract

Abstract This paper provides a description of employee assistance programs (EAPs) and work-life programs as perceived by human resource professionals and the “purchasers” or employers that offer their workforce these benefits. This description unveils the purchasers' needs, preferences and concerns regarding such programs. Moreover, efforts that the Employee Assistance Industry Alliance (The Alliance) has been involved with that directly affect the EAP and work-life industry are highlighted and discussed in the context of missed opportunities within these industries. Finally, the authors assert that a cohesive and organized industry is necessary to position EAP and work-life services to meet the demands of a changing workplace and to establish themselves as indispensable versus a commodity.