In recent years, the frequency and severity of natural disasters and global crises have escalated, leaving communities across the world grappling with unprecedented challenges. As companies seek to support their staff in times of need, many are turning to Employee Assistance Funds (EAFs) as a vital resource for helping employees get back on their feet. An Employee Assistance Fund, also known as an employee assistance program or hardship fund, is a program established by a company to support their employees through monetary assistance in times of disaster or personal hardship. Global Impact administers custom EAFs that meet the unique needs of a variety of companies and their workforces.
In 2024, Global Impact launched a survey to explore what our clients value most about their programs and how they envision enhancing them in the future. The survey was shared with each of Global Impact’s EAF clients who offer both global and domestic programs. EAFs play a significant role in these organizations, often overseen within their foundations, human resources, and corporate social responsibility departments. We have had the pleasure of administering EAFs for more than three years, and over half of our clients completed the survey.
As our client base grows, we actively seek feedback to ensure that our EAFs remain relevant and effective in supporting employees during their greatest times of need. Our recent survey provided valuable insights into how the crises of the past few years have been shaping companies’ needs for EAFs and broader social responsibility initiatives.
At Global Impact, we approach EAFs with a deep sense of empathy for your workforce, recognizing the urgency and challenges that arise during difficult times. As natural disasters and crises impact employees, companies value programs that support their workforce effectively and quickly. Below are the top three program features valued most by our clients.
Timely Application Review and Processing
Our survey revealed that companies are increasingly looking for quick review and processing of assistance requests, while maintaining empathy. It is vital to companies that their workforce receives assistance in a timely manner when they need it the most. By valuing our ability to timely review and process applications, companies contribute to work environments where employees feel valued and supported.
Global Distribution Capabilities
We specialize in creating fully customized programs tailored to the unique needs of each company. Our corporate clients have emphasized the value of Global Impact’s capacity for global distributions, ensuring that employees abroad receive timely support.
Program Adaptability
Employers expressed a strong appreciation for customizable EAF experiences, including online support, translation services, and troubleshooting that cater to employees’ unique needs. Additionally, the adaptability of our program is showcased in our ability to provide individual or group assistance. Group assistance can be offered to business locations where all employees have been affected by the same disaster, allowing for quicker access to essential resources. By prioritizing attentiveness and customization, we strive to be a trusted partner in supporting your employees’ well-being, no matter where they are located.
Enhancing EAFs Through Client Feedback
We are committed to continuously enhancing our EAFs to better serve our clients and their workforces. Recognizing the constantly changing landscape of Employee Assistance Funds, many of our clients have expressed a strong interest in a tool that keeps them informed about the latest industry trends, the status of current disasters, and employee communications resources. To meet this need, we are developing a unique EAF toolkit that provides timely updates on current disasters, emerging resources, and EAF trends.
Insights from our recent survey also revealed that companies are actively seeking ways to enhance their EAF fundraising efforts, particularly through effective marketing strategies to increase awareness and boost donations to their programs. With our experience in fundraising, specifically employee giving, we are looking forward to offering more resources in these areas. While the majority of programs will still need significant corporate commitment, we look forward to consulting with clients on best practices, leveraging their corporate contributions as matching dollars, and building intentional communication strategies around their emergency response and appeal for support. EAFs provide a significant opportunity to build community within the workplace, where employees can both support and receive support from one another when they face challenges.
Through the toolkit and additional template communications, we aim to empower our clients, boost fundraising, and enhance the effectiveness of their EAFs.
Fostering Strength Together: How We Can Help You Support Your Employees
We understand the urgency that comes with supporting employees in times of need, and we strive to develop programs that adapt as the needs of your employees and your organization change. With nearly 70 years of experience in distributing funds and ensuring they reach those in need, Global Impact seamlessly processes assistance funding, offering non-taxable income to employees and tax-deductible contributions to the program. We encourage you to talk to your leadership today about establishing an Employee Assistance Fund to support your workforce when times get tough.
Want to know more about our survey results? Get in touch with us!
