Empathia, Inc. Introduces New Workplace Outcomes Suite to Measure Effectiveness of Employee Assistance Services

MILWAUKEE, Wis. / June 2, 2011 — While the number and types of EAP services continue to increase, the HR industry faces a perennial question: how effective are they? In response, Empathia, Inc. has piloted a new workplace outcomes measurement tool that applies scientific rigor to the process of surveying employees and determines whether they are achieving positive outcomes—and whether employers are seeing the benefits of increased staff productivity, less absenteeism and other workplace effects.

The scientifically-validated questions, developed by Chestnut Global Partners scientist Dr. Richard Lennox, revolve around absenteeism, work engagement, work satisfaction, life satisfaction and workplace distress. The questionnaire is administered at the initial EAP assessment, final follow-up and approximately 4-8 weeks after the final follow-up.

The initial results of Empathia’s pilot program with 72 clients revealed a significant increase in work engagement and life satisfaction, a reduction in hours of missed work and workplace distress, and a significant reduction in presenteeism (diminished productivity).

“While many vendors have created their own proprietary measurement tools, they’re not validated by a third party,” explains Philip Chard, chief executive officer of Empathia. “The HR community is looking for a real return on investment and they need metrics that credibly support the value of our workplace services.”

Historically, Chard notes that EAP providers have turned to end-user utilization rates, client referrals, satisfaction surveys or even employee click-throughs on a Web site to show the value of their services. However, none truly address whether employees are more productive at work because they are no longer suffering from depression, combating stress, dealing with substance abuse, or coping with marital conflicts.

Empathia is one of a handful of firms using the nine-question format, as opposed to the typical 25-question measure. Another key difference is that the survey focuses on workplace effects rather than clinical outcomes.

“Prior to this survey, employers have had to rely on satisfaction surveys that don’t truly show how effective a program has been in helping people address personal issues that affect their work,” Chard added. “Now employees can tell us about their hours of productivity, whether they feel more engaged at work and how satisfied they are in their lives—real workplace outcomes that demonstrate the benefits of an employer’s investment.”

About Empathia, Inc.
Empathia provides behavioral health solutions that improve the well-being, safety and productivity of organizations and individuals. The company collaborates with private and public sector entities from expansive Fortune 500 corporations to small businesses in addressing a diverse range of needs: employee assistance, disaster response and planning, work-life balance, employee relations, leadership development, training and benefits support. Founded in 1982 under the name NEAS, Empathia has distinguished itself as a quality leader dedicated to creating a superior customer experience for both client organizations and employees. For more information, visit www.empathia.com.

Media Contacts:
Carrie Reuter
Empathia, Inc.
866-332-9595
creuter(a)empathia.com

Elrond Lawrence
HRmarketer for Empathia
831-632-2183
elawrence(a)fishervista.com

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This press release was distributed through PR Web by Human Resources Marketer (HR Marketer: www.HRmarketer.com) on behalf of the company listed above.