Program Evaluation--Not Rocket Science, but Rocket Fuel

Doing program evaluation to spot a specific positive outcome that results from your EAP activities can be a impressive way to keep managment focused on the value of your program. Doing simple program evalution so you can lay claim to the positive financial impact is not so complicated that you can't do it yourself. It's not rocket science, but it is rocket fuel if you can get yourself focused on it.

The simplest type of research that you might want to try is the "Before and After" Study. This is a legitimate area of program evaluation and it is a good type for EAPs to consider because of the intervention factor. One can measure the values of specific concerns before an intervention and then after the intervention, continue with the same measurement in an attempt to demonstrate, validate, and measure impact.

Here are some of the workplace areas where before and after studies can be applied. You may want to keep a list of these things, tally them with the help of your organization, and then consider which ones you might be able to positively influence with the EAP.

• Absent Days Without Leave
  
• Sick Days Recorded
  
• Number of Employee Grievances
  
• Turnover Rate
  
• Number of Accidents on Job
  
• Injuries Resulting in Lost Work Time
  
• Amount of Workers' Compensation Claims Paid
  
• Total Number of Disciplinary Actions Executed
  
• Complaints From Female (Male) Staff About Sexual Harassment
  
• Number of Terminations for Cause (Fired Employees)
  
• Total Number of Employees Testing Positive for Drug Use
  
• Attorney Bills for Consultations AboutTroubled Employees
  Total Number of Wage Garnishments
  
• Earlier Return to Work for Employees with Work Injurie