To assess attitudes toward the effectiveness of a n employee assistance program (EAP), a survey was sent to a random sample of 16,603 employees and adult dependents of a large. multinational company. Four groups were surveyed: employees who had used the EAP, adult dependents who had used the EAP. employees who had not used the EAP, and adult dependents who had not used the EAP. The findings indicated that both employee and adult dependent EAP users viewed the EAP more positively than did employee and adult dependent nonusers. Regression analyses indicated that factors including perception of EAP confidentiality. perceived support by other employees, and belief that the EAP would not negatively affect the career were related to positive views of the E M among both EAP users and nonusers.
The use of client satisfaction surveys is common practice for employee assistance programs (Ems). There is, however, a lack of published literature presenting the results of those surveys, and there are few studies that compare the perceptions of the EAP across different groups, especially those who have not used the EAP.
Available published research indicates that useful insights for EAP development can be garnered from studies of attitudes toward and use of EAPs. Park (1992), in a study of university employees, found less awareness of the EAP among men, faculty, and employees over age 50. Several studies have suggested a link between knowledge or awareness of the EAP and use. Hall, Vacc, and Kissling (1991), in an investigation of telephone company employees, found that knowledge of services was related to the use of the EAP. A survey of police officers revealed that those who had seen the EAP policy and had EAP training rated the need for the EAP higher than did those who had not (Asen & Colon, 1995). Knowledge of the EAP also was identified as contributing to decisions to use the EAP in a