Comparing occupational well-being among employee assistance program users and non-users

Previous research has demonstrated positive relationships between Employee Assistance Program (EAP) utilization and occupational well-being outcomes. However, differences between employees who use EAP services and those who do not have received less attention. The present study examined occupational well-being among employees who used an external EAP and those who did not. Employee awareness, perceptions, and engagement with services were also evaluated. Results revealed no significant differences in occupational well-being between EAP users and non-users. First responders represented the largest proportion of EAP users in the sample; therefore, additional analyses compared first responders with employees from other departments and examined differences between EAP-using and non-using first responders. Significant differences in EAP perceptions emerged across most survey items, with the exception of management support and referral processes. Further analyses indicated that a substantial proportion of employees did not value access to EAP services. Findings suggest that the perceived value of EAP services, rather than utilization alone, may be more closely associated with occupational well-being. These results highlight the importance of employee engagement and education surrounding EAP services to enhance awareness and utilization. Limitations and directions for future research, including longitudinal studies with comparison groups, are discussed.