Employees today are coping with greater demands than ever on their
time, energy and resources. The increase in dual-income families, the
responsibilities of caring for children and aging parents, financial
pressures and legal concerns all have a significant impact on employees'
productivity, job satisfaction and retention.
The Aurora EAP Work-Life Services give employees a convenient,
accessible resource they can call for help with a wide range of personal
and family issues, without taking valuable time and energy away from the
job. Consider these facts:
Employee
absenteeism costs businesses an average of $610 per employee per year,
and it's not just for illness. Family issues, personal needs and stress
account for more than 60% of unscheduled absences.
35% of workers have provided care for an older relative in the past
year. 82% of working caregivers came into work late or left early as a
result of caregiving, and more than half have had to change their work
schedules.
More than half of employees in a typical workforce will experience a
significant legal or financial issue during any given year. 70% of the
population report not seeking needed legal counsel due to cost concerns.
Consumer debt reached $1.65 trillion in 2001 (a 465% increase since
1980), with the average household carrying a credit card debt of $8,562.
45% of employees with families report significant conflict between
their jobs and their families (up from 34% in 1977).
It's not surprising that more and more businesses are offering
workplace assistance for employees to help them with family caregiving,
money and legal dilemmas. The most recent study by the Families and Work
Institute reports that Work-Life supports on the job result in "more
positive work outcomes, such as job satisfaction, commitment to
employer, and retention, as well as more positive life outcomes, such as
less interference between job and family life, less negative spillover
from job to home, greater life satisfaction, and better mental health."
The Aurora EAP has been an industry leader in offering Work-Life
Services designed to meet the needs of the changing workforce. Our
enhanced service package includes:
Child Care Resource and Referral. Our child care
specialists can help employees handle a variety of child care
responsibilities. When employees call, a trained specialist will
help them assess needs, explore available options and recommend
effective solutions, whether it's information only or a child care
search. Information folders are available on parenting topics such as
first-time parents, summer care, back-to-school and college
planning.
Elder Care Resource and Referral. Our knowledgeable elder
care specialists will guide employees through the vast array of
elder care resources and help them find those that are right for
their situation, based on qualifications, location and costs. We can
also provide information on a variety of topics related to the needs
of aging family members and those who care for them.
Legal Consultation. The Aurora EAP provides up to 30
minutes of free telephone or face-to-face consultation with a
participating attorney on a range of legal concerns, including
financial and consumer issues, personal and family legal issues and
property or real estate matters. For services beyond the initial 30
minutes, employees receive a discount of 25% off of the provider's
normal hourly fee.
Mediation Services. Many consumers find they can save
time and money by choosing mediation as a first step in resolving
legal issues. The Aurora EAP provides up to 30 minutes of free
telephone or face-to-face consultation with a network mediator on
topics such as divorce and child custody, contractual and consumer
disputes, real estate, landlord/tenant matters and car
accidents/insurance disputes. Mediation specialists are trained to
address the emotional causes as well as the legal aspects of
disputes.
Adoption Information Services. For those considering
adoption, Work-Life specialists are available to share information
on adoption choices, explain anticipated costs, provide referrals to
adoption agencies and attorneys, and refer to adoption community
resources and support groups.
Financial Consultation. Financial stress is one of the
most frequently reported issues affecting employees both at home and
at work. The Aurora EAP provides up to 30 minutes of free telephone
consultation with financial professionals who can offer sound,
objective advice on a range of financial concerns, including budget
assistance, credit and debt issues, retirement planning, college
funding, life insurance needs, and others.
EAP Work-Life Services also offer unlimited access to website
resources on legal and financial issues, including forms, financial
tools, and a complete library of in-depth articles and information from
experts in the field.
Employee
absenteeism costs businesses an average of $610 per employee per year,
and it's not just for illness. Family issues, personal needs and stress
account for more than 60% of unscheduled absences.