job satisfaction among employee assistance professionals: a national study

Abstract

This study was designed to examine job satisfaction in a national sample of employee assistance program (EAP) professionals. Data were collected from 210 EAP professionals through mailed surveys consisting of an individual information form and the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ; D. J. Weiss, G. W. Lofquist, 1967). The average MSQ total score was within the satisfied range. The results indicated that respondents employed by external EAP organizations were more satisfied with their jobs than those who were employed by internal EAPs. Age, gender, race of respondent, rural vs. nonrural work setting, and national certification of respondent had no statistically significant impact on job satisfaction. m m o eEmployee assistance programs (EAPs) were originally developed to identify employees who were dealing with personal problems serious enough to result in a deterioration in their job performance. Once identified, such employees were usually referred to various agencies to receive treatment. The EAP has grown in recent years to be much more than a referral service. In addition to appraisal and referral, the EAP professional is now trained in conflict resolution and crisis management. EAP staff have had to expand, merge, and redefine their areas of expertise as they are being asked to assume responsibilities for many new roles (Cunningham, 1994). As the role and duties of the EAP professional have increased in complexity, so too has work-related stress.Changes in role expectation, an increase in duties and responsibilities, longer workdays, and an increased workload have raised questions about job satisfaction among people who work in the helping professions (Edelwich & Brodsky, 1980). For example, Baird (1995) has called for research on how workload levels affect the job satisfaction of counselors, and Duffus (1996) has requested that research be done in the area of role conflict as it affects the counseling professional. In addition, Brown, Hohenshil, and Brown (1998) have requested additional research in the area of gender differences regarding job satisfaction.

Factors Affecting African American Counselors' Job Satisfaction: A National Survey

“…Additional examination of facet data in this study and related studies (DeMato, 2001;Evans & Hohenshil, 1997;Sweeney, Hohenshil, & Fortune, 2002) indicated that subjects ranked social service first and moral values second as facets subjects were most satisfied with on their current job. Counseling is considered a helping profession and a job where moral standards are important, so it is evident that AACs in this and in related research felt their current job provided them the opportunity to fulfill these two job facets.…”

“…Respondents indicated they were satisfied with their job. Sweeney, Hohenshil, and Fortune (2002) assessed the job satisfaction of 210 employee assistance professionals (EAP). The MSQ indicated that 8.5% of the subjects were very satisfied with their job and 70.6% were satisfied with their job.…”

“…Eighty-seven percent of subjects in this study were satisfied or very satisfied with their job. It is noted that the participants in related research (Brown, Hohenshil, & Brown, 1998;DeMato, 2001;Evans and Hohenshil, 1997;Sweeney, Hohenshil, & Fortune 2002) were comprised mainly of Caucasian counselors. Brown, Hohenshil, and Brown's (1998) study of school psychologist, found that 86% of subjects were satisfied or very satisfied with their job.…”

“…Brown, Hohenshil, and Brown's (1998) study of school psychologist, found that 86% of subjects were satisfied or very satisfied with their job. Sweeney, Hohenshil, and Fortune (2002) found that 80% of employee assistant professionals were satisfied or very satisfied with their job. When comparing subjects who indicated they were very satisfied with their job, AACs in this study were again more satisfied than their Caucasian colleagues.…”

“…Previous research (Brown, 1997;DeMato, 2001;Sweeney, Hohenshil, Fortune, 2002) has shown that mental health professionals overwhelmly had intentions of continuing in their current profession. In this research, 84% of subjects indicated they were planning to remain in their profession for the next five years.…”