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Top Trends EAP Managers:
Drug use is prevalent; treatment is not. Despite encouraging evidence of improvements in the effectiveness of drug treatment, there has been a steady reduction in the availability and access of these programs. While less than one in four drug abusers receives treatment for addiction, the number of programs continues to dwindle.
"Treatment alternatives are simply dwindling; they are deteriorating in range, professionalism and duration of services," said Marjorie Gutman, Ph.D., of the Treatment Research Institute at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
Workplace violence is still on the rise. There has been a steady and significant increase in the incidence of workplace violence, and EA professionals are being called to action to address the problem. In fact, national statistics reveal:
- 1,000 workplace homicides occur in the United States each year.
- Workplace homicides are the second leading cause of death in the workplace and the leading cause of workplace death among women at work.
- One in six violent crimes occur in the workplace.
- 60 percent of American workers say they donÍt feel safe at their job.
EAPs are being looked upon to address caregiving issues. There are an estimated 25 million people in the nationÍs caregiving population, two-thirds of whom work. The demand for caregiving hasnever been greater and often at the expense of family, relationships and work " the latter resulting in decreased productivity and sacrificed work performance, according to survey conducted by Sage Products.
Analysts attribute a $29 billion loss in productivity each year to employeesÍ eldercare duties. Addressing caregiver issues is on the forefront of employersÍ agendas, many of whom are focusing their employee assistance efforts on eldercare programs.
"Family caregivers underpin the American healthcare system to the tune of $196 billion a year by providing more than 80 percent of all home care services," said Suzanne Mintz, president of the National Family Caregivers Association.
"Corporate America is waking up to the huge numbers of family caregivers that exist now, and the even larger number that will exist in the future as Baby Boomers age. Companies are recognizing that caregivers are an underserved population they need to know more about."
Implementing HIV/AIDS education and prevention programs into EAPs looks beneficial. Businesses that employ workplace HIV/AIDS programs are likely to enjoy intangible benefits that will increase their productivity and the harmony of their work environment, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Businesses such as Polaroid report the cooperative spirit, as a result of their program, has solidified the employer-employee relationship and has deepened company loyalty.
The perception that an employer cares for its employees can help the company avoid possible litigation costs due to discrimination.
Companies also find their preparation for managing HIV/AIDS in the workplace has helped in the resolution of other health and discrimination issues.
Involvement in a progressive HIV/AIDS workplace program could reflect favorably on a corporation. For example, Paul Ross, worldwide manager of HIV/AIDS awareness programs for Digital Equipment Corporation, cited more than $1 million worth of advertising from interviews, articles and network exposure it gained because the media wanted to profile an HIV/AIDS workplace program.
EA professionalsÍ earnings continue to increase. EA professionals have enjoyed a consistent increase in their paychecks over the past few years. In fact, estimated year-end salaries in 2000 averaged 5.7 percent more than in 1999, and nearly 10 percent more than in 1998, according to Employee Assistance Program Management LetterÍs "2000 EA ProfessionalsÍ Salary & Benefits Survey." Nearly identical findings were discovered in the survey for 1999 and are expected to continue this year.
Source: Employee Assistance Management Letter
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