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.