How do EAPs in different countries differ? Is there a common denominator, regardless of the country or culture? What can each of us learn from our colleagues on other continents?

In this edition of the Exchange On-Line, you’ll read about EA developments around the world--from Finland and Canada in the north to South Africa and Argentina in the south, from Ireland and mainland Europe to Hong Kong and China.

Our look at EAPs around the world demonstrates their fundamental nature as behavioral solutions to workplace concerns. Wherever they are found, the most successful EAPs were created and are evolving to meet local and national workplace priorities--the financial crisis in Argentina, SARS in Hong Kong, the worker shortage in Finland, and so on.

We hope you’ll not only read the articles, but also use the interactive potential of the Exchange On-Line to interact with us and contribute to the learning dialogue. Here are a few of the questions I have. What are your questions? What are your answers?

* If you live or work in a country highlighted in this issue, does the corresponding article fit your experience?

* If you are from a country not highlighted here, what is helping or hindering EAP development in your region?

* Does the focus on local workplace priorities mean that global guidelines or standards for EAPs are inappropriate?

Let us know what you think. Use the Members’ Exchange Forum to share your experiences and give us your ideas. Let’s work together--let’s put ourselves on the line--to make the Exchange On-Line a valuable information resource for all of us. As always, please contact me or any other member of the EAPA Communications Advisory Subcommittee with your comments and suggestions. We’re only a click away.

EAPA Communications Advisory Subcommittee
John Maynard, Chairman
Mark Attridge
Tamara Cagney
Maria Hartley
Jim Oher
Bruce Prevatt