CCA Doubles Employee EAP Use at The NY Times
<p><strong>New York — July 18 </strong><br />Four years ago, The New York Times Co. tapped Corporate Counseling Associates (CCA) to manage the EAP and work-life program for its affiliate companies. </p><p>Today, CCA serves nearly 10,000 Times Co. employees, including The New York Times staff.<br /><br />CCA was one of five companies that responded to a search by the Times Co. for an EAP and work-life provider that would replace its former vendor. </p><p>Of those five, CCA and another were finalists in the rigorous selection process. Both were judged on professionalism, case management system, quality control and scope of services. </p><p>The Times Co. ultimately chose CCA not only for its strengths in these areas but also its commitment to an active relationship that would bring counselors closer to the Times’ larger business locations. <br /><br />Since CCA’s selection in June 2003, employee use of the company’s EAP and work-life program has more than doubled.<br /><br />“We were seeking an EAP where our employees would feel comfortable picking up the phone and making that first call to get assistance with a personal, family or workplace issue — we know that’s a hard thing for people who are struggling,” said Christine Jastrzemski, The New York Times Co. senior manager of corporate benefits. “Another goal was to ‘put a face’ on the program, to provide employees with more than an anonymous 800 number.”<br /><br />Prior to CCA’s selection, the Times Co.'s human resources leadership identified two qualities as crucial to the success of a work-life program: follow-up care and the ability to identify individuals’ underlying issues.<br /><br />The CCA account team takes an active approach in managing the organizational side of the program — associates consult with HR executives and line managers on workplace issues, including employees who are trying to improve their performance, crises in the workplace, potential violence, harassment and reorganizations.<br /><br />CCA’s team also joined the Times Co.'s EAP and work-life committee, which includes HR executives at the major business units, to provide leadership and guidance. </p><p>This created a strategic alliance from the beginning, resulting in increased understanding, awareness and use of the program by both employees and managers. <br /><br />“Our work-life philosophy is different from the typical commoditized approach,” said Georgia Critsimilios, CCA vice president of sales and marketing. “Instead of referring employees to arrange for their own care, we build a ‘high-touch’ partnership where we manage and guide each case and offer intensive services for both employees and the organization.”</p>
