Global EAP provider helps employees deal with emotional, physical stress due to economic crisis
SAN DIEGO / October 2, 2008—In the wake of the current economic crisis, ACI Specialty Benefits is reporting a major spike in financial consultation use among its workforce clients. The top 10 employee assistance provider has experienced a 45% increase since January 2008, and an astounding 85% increase since September 2007.
Americans are experiencing overwhelming emotions of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty surrounding both national and personal finances, according to experts at ACI, a global provider of EAP, wellness, and work/life services.
“The reality is people are swimming in debt, struggling to pay the mortgage, uncertain about their future, and turning to their EAP because it’s free, confidential, and personalized help,” says Dr. Ann D. Clark, CEO and Founder of ACI. The EAP provides legal and financial consultation services with licensed attorneys, CPAs and experienced financial professionals, plus counseling services for those experiencing stress, depression, relationship problems and other emotional concerns. “While we may not be able to pay off their debt, we can certainly help manage their stress,” adds Dr. Clark.
ACI Specialty Benefits is also working closely with employers concerned about the health and well-being of their workforce during these challenging times. “HR Directors and Managers are asking us for trainings, webinars, newsletters and other materials to help their employees better manage financial stress, and stay focused at work,” says Tori Barr, ACI’s Chief Corporate Relations Officer.
“We have created a brand new series of materials titled, ‘Coping During Difficult Financial Times’ and our clinical staff is working hard to help individuals maintain perspective, focusing on what they can control, and avoiding unhealthy coping behaviors such as denial, or excessive alcohol or drug use, among other things,” adds Barr.
ACI’s wellness and work/life departments are also responding to the increased need for financially relevant materials and information. “In trainings, webinars and newsletters, our wellness team is addressing things like the importance of sleep during stressful times, eating healthy on a budget, and exercising at home, while our work/life department is fielding an enormous amount of requests for affordable childcare, eldercare, housing and education options,” says Dr. Clark.
About ACI Specialty Benefits
ACI Specialty Benefits is a top ten provider of employee assistance programs, wellness, work/life, crisis support and management consulting services to corporations worldwide. ACI Specialty Benefits continually ranks in the nation’s top ten EAPs by Business Insurance and was recently named a 2008 Benefits Superstar by Benefits Compensation Solutions Magazine. Founded in 1983, ACI has grown to international prominence, servicing nearly five million people worldwide with a network of over 40,000 providers. ACI remains a privately-owned specialty benefits corporation, headquartered in San Diego. For more information, visit www.acispecialtybenefits.com.
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