In the modern workplace, prioritizing the mental and emotional wellbeing of employees has become not only a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity.And a go-to tool in the employee benefits response to this has been the Employee Assistance Program. But since the pandemic, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) have turned a corner, from being ‘just another benefit’ to an essential support service. Beyond crisis intervention, these programs embrace a holistic approach, addressing a spectrum of issues ranging from mental health concerns to financial challenges. The confidentiality paradigm of EAPs ensures a secure environment for employees to seek assistance without fear of judgment, fostering open communication and trust.And as organizations increasingly recognize the intricate connection between employee wellbeing and productivity, the diverse service offerings of EAPs emerge as strategic tools for navigating the complexities of modern work life. Global in scope, these programs acknowledge and address cultural nuances, catering to the diverse needs of a workforce that spans across borders. Here, we share 10 indispensable facts and quotes that collectively paint a vivid picture of the shifting impact EAPs have on individuals and organizations. Let’s take a closer look at some EAP facts and figures you can’t afford to miss: 1. Average EAP usage in the US is less than 10%.This is a healthy range, but it’s dependent upon communication and ongoing promotion, which are key to uptake. “It is driven very much by how well the program is promoted and understood by employees of the organizations that we’re serving,” Stephen Galliano, clinical psychologist, and Chief Customer Officer at Workplace Options, a YuLife EAP partner. “If they fully understand what it [the service] is, and don’t see any blocks to accessing it, then we find the utilization and engagement levels are high.”2. Businesses that don’t offer an EAP are simply “behind the times.” At least, when it comes to mental health support in the workplace. “A good employer must be concerned for the psychological welfare of their employees,” explains Stephen. “Although the majority of emotional issues employees call us about are personal in origin, the workplace still generates significant challenges, pressure and ultimately stress for many employees. Employers are not entirely innocent in this!”3. Around 73% of US employers use an EAP, providing access to 74.1 million workers. But what they don’t all have, is in-their-hand access to the service – dramatically impacting utilization. “It’s this utilization challenge that we’re tackling with the YuLife app,” explains Lauren Berkemeyer, VP of Marketing at YuLife. “Despite most having access to the service, it’s no good unless it’s being used – and by putting it in a gamified employee benefits app, YuLife is achieving 5x EAP engagement levels.”4. The average ROI for US employers is $3-$10 for every $1 invested in an EAP service. Have you linked your wellbeing support to an ROI? At YuLife, we have. Read the YuLife Forrester report for more on Wellbeing ROI. To speak more about measuring your wellbeing program, speak to your YuLife account manager. 5. 70% of respondents accessed an EAP due to workplace stress.But a further 57% of respondents accessed an EAP due to depression. Other reasons for accessing an EAP include family events (56% of respondents), conflict with line managers (20% of respondents), workplace restructure (15% of respondents), and bullying (6% of respondents).6. Men are half as likely to look for support with mental health through an EAP than women.And you can read our article on health for men in the workplace here, which dispels myths behind men’s health and gives guidance on how to tackle barriers in your workplace. 7. Whatever your business size, employees will use an EAP.EAP usage in companies with 5,000 employees and above is 9.95%. In companies with 1,000-5,000 employees, it’s 8.4%. Usage in companies with 250-1,000 employees is 9.6%. EAP usage in companies with fewer than 250 employees is 11%.8. In the US 94% of businesses with more than 5000 workers use an EAP.But it isn’t all about just ‘having’ an EAP, it’s about how you drive utilization. Which is where YuLife comes in – our award-winning employee benefits app ensures your employees a) know about what’s available to them and b) can easily access the service, via their phones. 9. Businesses experience a 5x increase in EAP use as a result of YuLife.Help shouldn’t be hidden, so YuLife makes EAP services easily accessible, via the YuLife app, alongside all of your other employee benefits. Read more about EAP with YuLife.About YuLifeYuLife is an employee benefits and wellbeing app that’s reimagining the insurance industry by protecting lives, rewarding living and inspiring life. We’re on a mission to transform traditional insurance into a life-enhancing experience each employee will value and use daily. How does it work?Our award-winning app uses behavioral science and game mechanics to reward your people for living well while offering protection in case of crisis. And with our top-rated employee assistance program, your team gets access to mental, financial and social support, nutritionists, life coaches and more to help them live their best lives.Because we believe that your employees should benefit from their insurance from day one — and that wellbeing should be accessible every day, for everyone.Request a demo for your team today.