Global Expansion Marks 25th Anniversary of Workplace Options
Largest U.S. Provider of Work-Life Benefits Continues to Shape the Industry While Overcoming Decades of Change
Raleigh, NC, May 26, 2007 --(PR.com)-- Twenty-five years after Workplace Options (WPO) began offering work-life consulting and training services, the once-small company is now the world's largest provider of work life employee benefits, spanning four continents and 80 countries.
The company, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, celebrates its 25th anniversary year with continued growth. This month, Workplace Options will move into a new headquarters three times the size of its current center. Global expansion includes the June 2006 purchase of Employee Advisory Resource (EAR) in London, one of the UK's largest providers of employee effectiveness services. In early 2007, Workplace Options acquired Dublin's EAP Solutions, further extending its worldwide network of providers.
"The changes we've experienced as a result of tremendous growth are matched only by the sweeping changes that have taken place across the work-life industry," said Stephanie Fanjul, founder of Workplace Options. "We're proud to have reached this significant milestone."
"What's most exciting is the international growth we've achieved in recent years, including the acquisition of EAP Services in Ireland and a partnership with London-based Employee Advisory Resource," noted Dean Debnam, chief executive officer of Workplace Options. "Today, our customers now enjoy the benefits of worldwide work-life services and access to an extensive network of behavioral health providers throughout Europe."
Several key changes have transformed the work-life landscape since the early 1980s. Then, fewer than five percent of large employers offered work-life benefits to employees, while today more than 75 percent offer such benefits. Also in the industry's early years, work-life benefits consisted primarily of childcare resource and referrals. Now WPO offers customizable solutions for all aspects of an employee's life -- including childcare, elder care, financial, legal, wellness, identity threat recovery, training, concierge services and more.
"What has carried us through the past 25 years is our willingness to be flexible and creative as we work to meet our customers' needs," explained Alan King, president of WPO. "We have become a full-service provider for our EAP clients, adding new services such as health risk assessments and eMindhealth, which offers network provider solutions for behavioral health companies."
The technology has changed, too. Two decades ago, work-life employee benefits could only be accessed via the telephone; today, employees can access WPO's services by telephone, e-mail or via instant messaging. Seminars can even be downloaded onto MP3 players and other portable devices.
"We've grown alongside Workplace Options during the past 25 years, and amidst dramatic changes in the industry, they've always been responsive to our needs," noted Robert Levy, President of Corporate Counseling Associates. "It's a competitive advantage for us to have a work-life partner who isn’t afraid to be a creative leader in both technology and service."
WPO's unique business model contributed heavily to the company's astounding growth. In the mid 1990s shifting buying patterns resulted in organizations looking to their Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or health plans for work-life services. As a result, the business was restructured – rather than sell directly to employers, the company instead partner with EAPs and other third-party organizations to provide work-life services. The decision paid off, making WPO the ideal work-life partner for corporate America, and fueling its explosive growth in the 1990s.
Note to Editors
Dean Debnam is available for interviews via the contact information listed below.
About Workplace Options
Founded in 1982, Workplace Options (WPO) is America's largest provider of work-life services. WPO's market leading products are recognized for their innovative web delivery, flexibility and affordable pricing. Through its emindhealth division, WPO offers network management solutions that help EAP's run their businesses more profitably and efficiently. WPO's United Kingdom division, Employee Advisory Resource (EAR), is a premier provider of work-life services in Europe and offers EAP clients access to an expansive network of behavioral health providers throughout Europe and the World. Learn more at www.workplaceoptions.com.
Contact:
Sandy Egan
Workplace Options
(800) 699-8011 x2161
SandyE(at)workplaceoptions(dot)com
###
The company, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, celebrates its 25th anniversary year with continued growth. This month, Workplace Options will move into a new headquarters three times the size of its current center. Global expansion includes the June 2006 purchase of Employee Advisory Resource (EAR) in London, one of the UK's largest providers of employee effectiveness services. In early 2007, Workplace Options acquired Dublin's EAP Solutions, further extending its worldwide network of providers.
"The changes we've experienced as a result of tremendous growth are matched only by the sweeping changes that have taken place across the work-life industry," said Stephanie Fanjul, founder of Workplace Options. "We're proud to have reached this significant milestone."
"What's most exciting is the international growth we've achieved in recent years, including the acquisition of EAP Services in Ireland and a partnership with London-based Employee Advisory Resource," noted Dean Debnam, chief executive officer of Workplace Options. "Today, our customers now enjoy the benefits of worldwide work-life services and access to an extensive network of behavioral health providers throughout Europe."
Several key changes have transformed the work-life landscape since the early 1980s. Then, fewer than five percent of large employers offered work-life benefits to employees, while today more than 75 percent offer such benefits. Also in the industry's early years, work-life benefits consisted primarily of childcare resource and referrals. Now WPO offers customizable solutions for all aspects of an employee's life -- including childcare, elder care, financial, legal, wellness, identity threat recovery, training, concierge services and more.
"What has carried us through the past 25 years is our willingness to be flexible and creative as we work to meet our customers' needs," explained Alan King, president of WPO. "We have become a full-service provider for our EAP clients, adding new services such as health risk assessments and eMindhealth, which offers network provider solutions for behavioral health companies."
The technology has changed, too. Two decades ago, work-life employee benefits could only be accessed via the telephone; today, employees can access WPO's services by telephone, e-mail or via instant messaging. Seminars can even be downloaded onto MP3 players and other portable devices.
"We've grown alongside Workplace Options during the past 25 years, and amidst dramatic changes in the industry, they've always been responsive to our needs," noted Robert Levy, President of Corporate Counseling Associates. "It's a competitive advantage for us to have a work-life partner who isn’t afraid to be a creative leader in both technology and service."
WPO's unique business model contributed heavily to the company's astounding growth. In the mid 1990s shifting buying patterns resulted in organizations looking to their Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or health plans for work-life services. As a result, the business was restructured – rather than sell directly to employers, the company instead partner with EAPs and other third-party organizations to provide work-life services. The decision paid off, making WPO the ideal work-life partner for corporate America, and fueling its explosive growth in the 1990s.
Note to Editors
Dean Debnam is available for interviews via the contact information listed below.
About Workplace Options
Founded in 1982, Workplace Options (WPO) is America's largest provider of work-life services. WPO's market leading products are recognized for their innovative web delivery, flexibility and affordable pricing. Through its emindhealth division, WPO offers network management solutions that help EAP's run their businesses more profitably and efficiently. WPO's United Kingdom division, Employee Advisory Resource (EAR), is a premier provider of work-life services in Europe and offers EAP clients access to an expansive network of behavioral health providers throughout Europe and the World. Learn more at www.workplaceoptions.com.
Contact:
Sandy Egan
Workplace Options
(800) 699-8011 x2161
SandyE(at)workplaceoptions(dot)com
###
Contact
Workplace Options
Sandy Egan
(800) 699-8011
www.workplaceoptions.com
Sandy Egan
(800) 699-8011
www.workplaceoptions.com
Contact
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