From Lunchtime Seminars to
Patriotic-Themed Special Events . . .
Employee Services Show No Sign of Slowing Down

Oak Brook, IL--Though the economy is on shaky ground, companies committed to offering employee programs that balance work and personal life are confidently continuing their scheduled programming. Employee services will have an increased emphasis on lunchtime seminars, stress reduction programs, patriotic-themed special events and community services opportunities, according to Employee Services in the Workplace: A Pulse of Economic Conditions, a membership survey conducted by Employee Services Management (ESM) Association, headquartered in Oak Brook, IL. Members represent employee services managers responsible for implementing employee programs in companies across the U.S.

In a recent e-mail survey, ESM Association Executive Director Patrick B. Stinson asked members, "As a result of the economic and national climate, do you expect your programs to increase visibility, remain the same or decrease in visibility?" Eighty-one percent say their employee services program will gain visibility or maintain its current place in corporate culture. Of these, 36 percent plan to increase promotion of their offerings with either the same resources or an increase of resources dedicated to enhancing employee quality of life. Budgets appear to be holding steady too. Sixty-two percent expect their budgets to maintain their strength with 13 percent expecting to broaden exposure of their offerings with increased resources.

Employees will turn to employee services managers to reduce anxiety. ESM Association's survey shows 43 percent of its members plan to roll out lunchtime seminars aimed at calming employees and directing them to be proactive in their quest to find a "new normal". In the coming months, employees will flock to lunchtime seminars that promise solutions for relieving stress, refocusing investment strategies and creating family budgets for tough times.

Thirty-eight percent of respondents will increase stress reduction offerings such as onsite massages and yoga classes.

In some cases, employee services managers will shift the focus of their promotion of special events and employee gatherings. Forty percent plan to incorporate patriotic themes in special events. Now, service award luncheons, employee store promotions, dinner dances and even everyday lunches in the cafeterias will feature red, white and blue. Thirty-two percent will promote their offerings as chances to spend time with loved ones.

As a result of the recent terrorist attacks, 36 percent have increased opportunities for employees to contribute to local and national community service efforts. For example, one company will donate proceeds of a golf tournament to a local school for homeless children while employees of another company decorate teddy bears for children affected by the September 11th events. Onsite vendor fairs may also generate revenue for special funds.

Employee programs will be presented with messages of striving for work/life balance and embracing diversity (32 percent for both).

ESM Association's indicators show it's business as usual for most employee services managers. Employees fortunate enough to work at ESM Association member companies can count on morale-boosting activities that bring employees together to deal with these issues, make a difference in the community and focus on balancing work and personal life.

©2001, Employee Services Management Association