Reflecting on the EAEF Conference 2026

CiC Wellbeing joined industry leaders, practitioners and partners from across Europe at this year’s Employee Assistance European Forum (EAEF) Conference in Ljubljana, Slovenia. With a central theme of “Rooted in Resilience”, the event brought together a collaborative community committed to advancing employee assistance and workplace wellbeing in an evolving landscape.

Set against the backdrop of Slovenia’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, the conference theme drew inspiration from the Linden tree – a national symbol of unity, strength and shared history. This idea of being grounded while adapting to change was reflected throughout the programme, which explored resilience at every level: from the individual, to organisations, and across the wider sector.

A holistic view of resilience

One of the most striking elements of this year’s conference was the evolution in thinking around resilience. As Harry Key, CiC Wellbeing’s Director of Global Specialist Services, and soon assuming the role as President of the EAEF, observed:

“The programme provided a clear progression from personal resilience into organisational resilience and then out to sector-wide resilience, particularly in the context of rapid change and emerging technologies.”

This development reflects a growing recognition that resilience is no longer solely an individual responsibility. Instead, it is increasingly seen as a systemic and cultural priority. Something that must be embedded within organisations and supported through leadership, strategy and workplace environments.

The opening keynote set the tone for this approach, emphasising the importance of small, intentional changes in daily life. These practical, accessible habits serve as the building blocks of resilience, reinforcing the idea that meaningful change often starts with simple actions.

Balancing innovation with human care

A central theme across the conference was the role of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, in shaping the future of employee assistance. While there is clear momentum behind the adoption of AI-enabled tools, discussions highlighted a growing tension between efficiency and clinical integrity.

Sessions explored both the opportunities and risks associated with technology. Alex Manescu of CCS addressed the potential dangers of deploying AI in place of human-led clinical services, raising important questions around safety, ethics and quality of care. These conversations reflected a broader shift within the sector, with organisations increasingly willing to critically evaluate new technologies rather than adopt them without question.

As expectations for faster, more accessible and digitally enabled support grow, organisations will need to define clear bounaries around where human expertise remains essential.

Building resilience against stress & trauma – in newsrooms and in the humanitarian sector

Kate Nowlan, Strategic Advisor for CiC Wellbeing, delivered a session on “Building Resilience Against Stress & Trauma – in Newsrooms and in the Humanitarian Sector.” Drawing on CiC Wellbeing’s extensive experience supporting high-risk groups, the session provided valuable insights into the psychological impact of working in challenging environments, as well as practical approaches to building resilience in the face of repeated exposure to trauma. The session highlighted the importance of specialist, clinically-led support and underlined CiC Wellbeing’s role in shaping understanding across the sector.

Collaboration and shared learning

Despite an increasingly competitive landscape, one of the most encouraging aspects of the conference was the strong sense of collaboration and openness across the EAEF community. Delegates demonstrated a willingness to share insights, challenge assumptions and learn from one another in meaningful ways.

Harry reflected: 

“The continued collegiate spirit of the EAEF community was striking. There is a real willingness to collaborate openly and share knowledge, even as the market becomes more competitive.”

This collaborative approach is vital as the sector navigates change. The pace of technological development, shifting user expectations and evolving workplace challenges mean that no single organisation has all the answers. Forums like EAEF provide a valuable space to explore these complexities together.

To the future

The discussions in Ljubljana made it clear that the next 12 to 24 months will be a period of significant transformation for the employee assistance sector. The rollout of AI-enabled tools is likely to accelerate, alongside increasing demand for accessible, responsive support. At the same time, organisations will need to carefully consider the ethical implications of these developments and ensure that quality and safety remain central.

For CiC Wellbeing, the conference reaffirmed several key priorities:

• Maintaining a clinically-led approach, where human expertise underpins all services
• Continuing to support high-risk groups, contributing to sector-wide understanding of trauma
• Taking an evidence-led, thoughtful approach to innovation, particularly in relation to technology

As the sector continues to evolve, CiC Wellbeing remains committed to combining innovation with strong ethical and clinical foundations. Ensuring that wellbeing support is not only progressive, but also safe, compassionate and effective.