The U.S. Domestic Workforce Use of Employee Assistance Support Services: An Analysis of Ten Years of Calls

Abstract

Archival data from 1999 to 2010 (excluding 2001) related to 90,000 cases presented to an external Employee Assistance Program provider were analyzed with respect to frequency of presenting problems. The authors examined differences in frequencies across gender, sector, and relationship of client with sponsoring organization. Significant differences were found between women and men. In addition, the authors provide demographic breakdowns to substantiate use by demographics. It is argued that given the noteworthy sample size and longitudinal nature of the data archive, commensurate value of the employee assistance service can be inferred. Implications for the future of the employee assistance profession are addressed.