Beyond Workers’ Comp: The Safety Investment That Pays for Itself

The $3.25 Question Every NARFA Member Should Ask

A recent analysis estimated a $3.25 return for every $1.00 invested in the EAP for the typical small employer in the U.S. Yet many business owners still see Employee Assistance Programs as “nice to have” rather than essential safety infrastructure.

The Reality Check: Your Industry, Your Risks

Whether you’re running an automotive dealership, construction company, service station, or plumbing business, your employees face unique workplace stressors. In the private sector, the percentage of workers with an EAP benefit ranges from about 1 in every 4 workers at the smallest size employers (under 50 workers), to almost half of workers at companies with between 50 and 99 workers, to about two-thirds of workers at medium size companies and better than 8 in every 10 workers at large companies.

The disconnect? While 73% of US employers use an EAP, many small and medium businesses remain underserved.

Why NARFA Industries Need EAP Support

Automotive and Service Industries Face:

• Physical demands and injury risks
• Customer service stress and conflict
• Equipment and technology pressures
• Financial volatility and seasonal fluctuations
• Safety-critical responsibilities

Construction and Manufacturing See:

• High-stress, high-risk environments
• Weather-dependent work schedules
• Complex project deadlines
• Physical safety concerns
• Workforce retention challenges

The Numbers That Matter to Your Bottom Line

An average of 7.6 people per every 100 covered employees used the EAP for counseling in year 2019 and this rose to 9.7 during the pandemic in 2021. Other results revealed the average number of sessions of counseling per case rose from 3.9 in 2019 to 5.3 sessions in 2021. This shows employees are getting meaningful help when they need it.

Current US EAP landscape:

• 97% of US companies with more than 5000 workers use an EAP
• Over 67 million workers in the private sector have access to an EAP from the 51% of all companies that sponsor this benefit

NARFA’s Four-Decade EAP Track Record

Since the 1980s, NARFA has witnessed how EAPs transform businesses across our member industries:

Documented Outcomes:

• Reduced workplace accidents through stress management
• Lower absenteeism and turnover
• Improved employee focus and productivity
• Decreased workers’ compensation claims
• Enhanced workplace culture and morale

Modern EAP Services for Today’s Workforce

EAPs are expanding their focus beyond mental health to encompass holistic well-being, including physical health, financial wellness, and personal development.

Comprehensive Support Includes:

• 24/7 crisis intervention and counseling
• Financial planning and debt management
• Legal assistance for personal matters
• Childcare and eldercare resources
• Substance abuse support and treatment
• Work-life balance coaching
• Online resources and mobile apps

Breaking Down Implementation Barriers

Common concerns and solutions:

Cost: The ROI remains strong.

Low Usage: Factors associated with increased utilization of EAPs include written policies describing how an organization’s EAP works, adequate EAP staffing levels, and supervisory training.

Awareness: Companies that actively promote their EAP services and integrate them into their wellness programs and benefits communication plans see higher engagement.

Making EAP Work for Small Business

Best practices for NARFA members:

1. Clear Communication – Regularly promote EAP services and confidentiality
2. Management Training – Teach supervisors how to recognize and refer
3. Industry-Specific Messaging – Address challenges unique to your sector
4. Integration – Link EAP with existing safety and wellness programs
5. Measure Impact – Track absenteeism, turnover, and safety metrics

The NARFA Advantage

Research indicates that counseling provided by EAPs is generally effective for most clients, regardless of whether it is provided in-person, over the telephone, or using internet video. Through NARFA’s group buying power, members access quality EAP services at rates typically reserved for larger companies. NARFA is proud of our relationship with Modern Assistance Program, one of the best EAP providers in the industry.

Why it matters: When your automotive technician, construction worker, or service employee has professional support for life’s challenges, they bring their best performance to work. They’re safer, more focused, and more productive.

After forty years of partnership, NARFA’s EAP program represents essential business infrastructure—not just employee benefits. In industries where safety and performance directly impact your bottom line, that investment delivers measurable returns every day.

Ready to explore EAP benefits for your business? Contact NARFA to learn how our proven employee assistance programs can enhance safety, productivity, and retention in your industry.