Evaluating Employee Assistance/Counselling Programmes: PRACTICAL PROBLEMS

Abstract

Increasingly there is a demand for information on the effectiveness of Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) and counselling in the workplace. EAPs need to be evaluated to ascertain the extent to which they reach their objectives and to find ways to improve effectiveness. Discusses the pros and cons of assessment methods such as questionnaires and the use of a comparison group to act as a control group for research purposes. Considers the importance of maintaining confidentiality during research as this is a cornerstone of any successful EAP. Covers the practical problems of evaluation at an organizational level and use of available data; and the difficulties of establishing and maintaining rapport with management and programme personnel.

Citation

Carolyn Highley, J. and Cooper, C.L. (1993), "Evaluating Employee Assistance/Counselling Programmes: PRACTICAL PROBLEMS", Employee Counselling Today, Vol. 5 No. 5, pp. 13-18. https://doi.org/10.1108/13665629310049339