Job stress in users of an Employee Assistance Program and association with presenting status

Abstract

Job stress is a top source of distress for many and one of the reasons why workers seek help through their Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Little is known about the prevalence of job stress in EAP users and its relationship with presenting status at time of program access. In this study, slightly over one third (34.5%) of a sample of at-work employees (N = 322) accessing their assistance program through an external EAP vendor reported experiencing job stress. The top reported stressors were those related to job demands and relations, followed by job features. EAP users experiencing job stress reported lower work engagement, health, and quality of life, as well as increased work distress relative to other EAP users. Notably, only this group of EAP users reported a negative health change in the last year. The number of job stressors also had a cumulative negative effect on all but one measure. The primary service area for the greater majority of EAP users was however not work-related, and most sought help for another area. Greater promotion of the use of EAPs to address work-related issues may consequently help to improve employee health and performance. Assessments of working conditions by EAP providers may also help inform the delivery of organizational-level assistance aimed at enhancing the workplace environment.

Keywords:

• Employee assistance program
• job stress
• employees
• working conditions
• workplace benefits