How is Sonder different from normal Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)?
Sonder offers early, personalised support across medical, mental health, and safety - preventing issues from escalating. Traditional EAPs are often narrower in scope and reactive.
When it comes to supporting your workforce, not all solutions are created equal. With rising psychosocial risks, growing duty-of-care expectations, and a workforce that demands more accessible and meaningful support, traditional EAPs are no longer equipped to go far enough.
While EAPs have long been the default option, Sonder delivers a total workforce protection solution that’s ready for today and tomorrow.
We do this by combining 24/7 human-led support, early intervention care, and integrated medical, mental health, and personal safety services, through a single app.
1. Preventative care instead of reactive
Sonder: Members can access 24/7 in-app support with an average response time of under 15 seconds. Our trained nurses and care specialists can guide members to the right level of support using a clinically-backed triage process. This means no guesswork, no delays.
Traditional EAPs: Often requires employees to self-identify a need, call during business hours, and wait days or even weeks for an appointment. Employees are not encouraged to seek help until there is a crisis.
2. Holistic care beyond mental health
Sonder: Offers support across a wide spectrum - from mental health and medical concerns to workplace safety, financial stress, and crisis response. Our nationwide responder network also means that in-person support
Traditional EAPs: Typically focus on short-term mental health counselling only, usually capped at a limited number of sessions.
3. True 24/7 support outside of regular business hours
Sonder: Our always-on Support Center (located in Sydney) equips members with support via chat or call for any issue. Our mobile app also equips members with safety alerts, tools like Check on Me and Track My Journey for real-time personal safety monitoring no matter the time of day.
Traditional EAPs: Often limited to regular business hours, with access via external phone numbers or portals, and no built-in safety functionality. Additionally, while EAPs may claim to provide 24/7 support, often time these are automatically generated messages that direct members to reach out again during business hours.
4. Real-time escalation instead of delayed referrals
Sonder: Uses the clinically recognised Manchester Triage System to assess urgency. Nurses and care teams can escalate issues quickly and appropriately. Additionally, Sonder has been accredited to the highest standard of health provider cerfication,
Traditional EAPs: Escalation pathways are often unclear or delayed, with slower access to clinical professionals.
5. Embedded in your business
Sonder: Works closely with you to embed support into onboarding, critical incident processes, and even DEI initiatives. Managers also get access to expert guidance and mental health support.
Traditional EAPs: Typically operate as a separate service with minimal workplace integration or proactive touch points.