Thesis ( M.Dev.) --University of Limpopo, 2011 / The provision of Employee Assistance Programme in a working environment such as a municipality is very crucial. In order to determine the effectiveness of the implementation of the programme to justify its existence to the outside world and to assess the impact of its fulfilment to its objectives, evaluation is therefore necessary. The aim of this research study was to ascertain the implementation of the EAP at the Makhado Municipality in Vhembe District with special focus on the employees’ awareness of the programme, its utilization and also the programme adequacy. A qualitative approach was used in this study. Forty two (42) employees of various ranks or level’s in the municipality were randomly selected to participate in the study, and they were from all the four main centres of the municipality i.e. Makhado, Waterval, Dzanani and Vuwani. Summary of the Main Findings A high percentage (81%) of the employees knew of the existence of an EAP within the municipality, and meetings appeared to be the main awareness strategy. − The attitudes of employees towards the EAP were positive, this state of affairs points to the usefulness of the EAP service. − The EAP provided by the Municipality was viewed as accessible by the majority of employees. − The utilization rate of the EAP in the Municipality was very low as only 17% of respondents indicated that they had utilized the service before. − The majority of referrals were conducted by supervisors while only 9.1% were self referral. The majority of respondents did not answer the question implying various reason/s and could also mean lack or poor knowledge and information about referrals within the programme. (iv Implementation of the EAP at Makhado Municipality in Limpopo Province − The majority of employees did not respond to the question on whether they were satisfied with the EAP within the municipality, and that could translate into low knowledge and information about the programme. − The majority of employees were generally happy with the current location of EAP in the municipality. − The majority of employees viewed EAP as confidential and the level of trust in the EAP staff was high. − The majority of employees were not aware of the EAP policy and never participated in its formulation. − The majority of employees felt that EAP services were useful, and this means that provision of proper information might encourage employees to use the service. − Most employees suggested that frequent dissemination of information to employees through meetings, workshops and other regular contact sessions could enhance the EAP in the municipality. Recommendations The following recommendations with regard to the employees’ familiarity with the EAP are important: o That more awareness sessions be conducted with all employees, especially those at regions unit so that adequate information is cascaded to all employees of the municipality. o The awareness sessions should be conducted at least quarterly involving all regions, and the EAP Advisory Committee should meet at least bi-monthly to discuss aspects to improve and enhance EAP services in the municipality. o It is also recommended that additional qualified EAP personnel, with at least minimum qualifications in Social Work and, or Social Psychology, or any relevant (v Implementation of the EAP at Makhado Municipality in Limpopo Province qualifications and experience in EAP be appointed to run the programme on full-time basis. o That evaluation of the programme implementation should be conducted using the participatory strategies such as suggestion boxes, arranging focus groups and bench-marking with other institutions. The recommendation to allow employees opportunities to submit suggestions, in-puts and give feedback regarding the programme will no doubt assist in the improvement and promotion of the programme. o The Makhado Municipality should utilize different marketing strategies as recommended by EAP literature, such as the following: i. The use of promotional material such as brochures, leaflets, and posters that are user-friendly and in languages understandable by all employees of the municipality. ii. Outreach programmes: The EAP unit needs to regularly visit all the regional offices of the municipality in order to intensify information sharing to employees about the EAP. These can also include decentralising EAP workshops to the periphery offices in order to reach the employees who are far away from the head office in Louis Trichardt. The above-mentioned could serve as effective strategies in promoting and maximising the visibility of the EAP, and may close the gap on information not reaching all employees in the municipality thereby increasing its penetration rate.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / Globally, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) has become the most effective workplace programme used to assist employees in the identification and resolution of performance and behavioural related problems. Employees, irrespective of the sector of employment are seen as the most valuable assets of any organization and therefore their wellness is as important as the organization itself. Employees' personal or work related problems may adversely affect their health as well as their productivity, thereby impeding the growth of an organization. It is for this reason that the EAP has increasingly become an important tool in addressing employees’ personal and work related challenges. Midwives as employees are prone to challenges such as maternal deaths at the workplace. They are more likely to undergo stressful situations for failing to meet the general goal of their profession, which, among others, include provision of adequate care for pregnant women until they safely deliver. These stressful conditions have negative effects on midwives' health, behaviour and productivity. However, there is no literature that has looked at how midwives in the Ashanti Region of Ghana are affected by maternal deaths and their coping mechanisms employed to address the effects of maternal deaths. Literature revealed that there is hardly any known work-related assistance programme designed to support Ghanaian midwives when faced with work-related challenges likely to affect their work-output. Hence, this study developed an appropriate EAP for midwives dealing with maternal deaths in Ghana based on the exploration and description of the effects of maternal death, coping mechanisms used and their experiences with the facility-based maternal death review (MDR). In order to meet the general aim of the study, a qualitative research approach, with a combination of exploratory, descriptive and contextual designs was used. Purposive sampling was employed to select participants; ward and unit managers (supervisors) (18) and midwives who met the inclusion criteria (39). A total of 57 participants were used in the study. Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews and focus group discussions, as well as field notes. Thematic Content Analysis was used to manage data through transcribing, organizing, development of category and coding of data. Final data management was done with qualitative computer data analysis package (Atlas ti version 7.1.7). The full understanding of the effects of maternal deaths on midwives and the mechanisms of coping employed to address effects afforded the development of an EAP to support midwives dealing with maternal deaths. Five main themes emerged from the analysis of collected data, namely effect of death as a unique experience, multi-dimensional effects of MD on Midwives' personal life, effects of MD on the midwives’ associated environment, mechanisms of coping employed by Midwives and Perceived MDR process (Phase 1). Phase 2 considered the development of Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for midwives dealing with maternal deaths in Ashanti Region of Ghana. The steps of developing occupational health service at the workplace by Acutt Hattingh and Bergh (2011) were applied to develop the EAP. Ethical practices pertaining to the study of human subjects as specified by the Research Ethics Committee of the University of the Western Cape and research guidelines of Ministry of Health- Ghana Health Service were observed. It is recommended that, all hospitals in Ashanti Region institute the EAP programme to assist midwives cope with challenges associated with maternal death.

This actually an investigation into the need for an Employee Assistance programme in the Jubilee Community Hospital. This programme is said to be effective in dealing with the employee's problems for it focuses on addressing all the social problems, which influence job performance. The study was conducted within the framework of a survey design. Three categories of questionnaires were designed and handed out to employees, supervisors and members of the management to complete. From their response it was clear that employees at this particular hospital experience problems which influence their job performance and are being left unattended. The study shows that there is no Employee Assistance Programme in this hospital. Most of the troubled employees sought help privately from the neighbouring social workers. This method of seeking help is not conviniet to the employees because it is not accessible and it is time consuming as they need to take a day's leave to attend to their problems. It is evident that there is a need for a qualified employee assistance practitioner in this hospital who will attend mainly to the employees' problems, who will be trained to do so. A formal policy with regard to EAP is also essential in this hospital. / Dissertation (MSW)--University of Pretoria, 2000. / Social Work and Criminology / MSW / Unrestricted

Thesis(M.A. (Social Work)) -- University of Limpopo, 2016 / The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) in South African Police services, within Lephalale Municipality, Waterberg District in Limpopo Province. The study was conducted within seven police stations. The sample comprised of 189 employees some of whom were employed in terms of the SAPS Act No. 63 of 1995 and others who were employed in terms of the Public Service Act No 103 of 1995. The sample was drawn from the population of 398 of employees using systematic random sampling method. The research approach followed in this study was quantitative and data was collected through the administration of questionnaires over a period of (8) eight days. Respondents were requested to give their experiences and understanding of the functioning of the EAP programme, awareness of the programme, satisfaction with the programme and how accessible the programme was to them. A theoretical background on the effectiveness of the Employee Assistance Programme in this study was provided through literature. In the literature, the goals, objectives and intentions of EAP were discussed. The aspects of EAP which are critical for EAP effectiveness were also explored and discussed. These include the benefits of utilising EAP, the rationale for EAP evaluation, the nature of EAP functioning in SAPS and EAP core technologies. The findings of the study are based on the one hundred and eighty nine (189) questionnaires that were returned by respondents. The findings were presented through tables and graphs and also interpreted using words. The study generally found that employees are aware of the existence of EAP within SAPS, though the utilisation rate was very low. However there is a need to improve EAP operation and strategies within SAPS to allow EAP to reach more employees. Based on the findings of the study, conclusions and recommendations were made regarding the improvement of the EAP in SAPS.

This research is focused on the influence of stress on Nursing Staff of a Private Hospital from an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) perspective. Stress amongst Nursing Staff in a Private Hospital has been researched from an EAP perspective. Specific focus was placed on the reason for job stress, the impact of stress on nursing staff, the handling of stress and burnout. EAP`s have been discussed in respect of the purposes and aims of EAP`s, different models of EAP`s, the advantages and disadvantages of different models have been discussed, the functions of EAP`s as well as the standard elements of EAP`s. Lastly focus has been on the operational functioning of EAP`s and stress management of EAP`s. The empirical research has been conducted by means of self-constructed questionnaires which were hand delivered. The findings show that the stress experienced by nursing staff in a private hospital has been identified as well as the extent to which stress influenced their job functioning. Recommendations made, include inter alia, that EAP`s must be made internally available to the Private Hospital in order to assist nursing staff with the handling of stress, stress-relief programmes, support groups as well as stress handling programmes. / Dissertation (MSD (EAP))--University of Pretoria, 2003. / Social Work and Criminology / Unrestricted

The aim of this research was to explore the causes of relapse post treatment for substance dependency within the South African Police Services (SAPS). “Alcoholism is a chronic relapsing brain disease, so individuals with substance abuse disorders face the possibility of relapse once they stop using alcohol even if they have had a successful treatment” (Perkinson, 2004:180). According to Connors, Maisto and Donovan (1996:5) research revealed that relapse rates among persons treated for alcoholism were approximately 35% and 58% at two weeks and three months after treatment, respectively. A relapse or uncontrolled return to alcohol or other drug use following competent treatment, is one of the greatest problems substance abusers and their counselors face (Lewis, Dana&Blevins, 2002:105; Johnson, 2003:271). The objective of the study was to explore the challenges that members in the South African Police Services (SAPS) experience or are exposed to causing them to relapse post treatment for substance dependency. The findings are intended to provide recommendations to the management of SAPS to develop a relapse prevention programme in the workplace to prevent relapse post treatment. The researcher utilized a quantitative research approach to identify the causes of relapse among SAPS members post rehabilitation for substance dependency. The type of research is applied research as the focus of the study is on identifying the causes for members within the SAPS to relapse post treatment for substance dependency and to address a specific practical issue in the workplace. The literature review focused on understanding the relapse process. The cognitive-behavioural Model of relapse was discussed at length including the prevalence of substance abuse among police members and concluded with information on the relapse prevention programme. A self-administered questionnaire was used as a research tool to collect data from the respondents (See annexure C). The population of this study was the members of the SAPS who had undergone treatment for substance dependency from January 2008 to April 2009. The researcher concentrated on those members in the KZN Province. Consultation with the social workers revealed a population size of 50 members. Due to the small size of the population, no sampling procedure was necessary as the whole population was selected as the sample. The findings of the study were based on 44 questionnaires that were returned by the respondents. The findings were analyzed and presented using tables and graphs which were then interpreted in words. The study revealed that the majority of the respondents attributed their main cause for relapse due to Intrapersonal determinants - they experienced a negative emotional state (for example, feelings of anger, frustration and anxiety) that initially triggered their need to taking that first drink. Secondly respondents identified exposure to peer pressure and boredom as also being a cause for their relapse. They disclosed that at times their peers would pressurize them to consume alcohol. The temptation, urges and cravings and being in the presence of other people consuming alcohol proved too difficult to resist. Alcohol being the recreational drug of choice proved to be tempting to members especially when socialising with colleagues. Based on the findings of the study conclusions and recommendations were made to the development of the relapse prevention programme to assist members post treatment to maintain their sobriety. Copyright / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Social Work and Criminology / unrestricted

Thesis (MPA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2016 / This study was undertaken in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the Employee Assistance Programme on substance abuse in the Department of Public Works. Qualitative and quantitative research approaches were applied in the study. Purposive sampling was used to select clients who were on the EAP data base due to substance abuse as well as supervisors as they have first-hand experience with employees utilising the Employee Assistance service and shop-stewards because they play significant role in the workplace in all matters affecting their members including substance abuse. Ten (10) EAP clients were interviewed using the structured interview schedule. A questionnaire was distributed amongst twenty (20) supervisors and six (6) shop-stewards. All EAP clients were males as they are mostly exposed to alcohol and drugs due to a cultural acceptance that men are allowed to drink alcohol and smoke in contrast to women. The majority of the respondents were Sepedi speaking as the study was conducted in Sekhukhune District which is dominated by the Sepedi speaking people. Some of the major findings of the study are: Most of the EAP clients with substance abuse problems had low education level which ranges between standard 3 to 9 and were mostly doing technical work which includes bricklaying, carpentry, welding, electrician work etc. Therefore this suggests that illiteracy contributes towards alcohol and drug abuse due to lack of information of the dangers of the substances. Supervisors and shop-stewards believe that the EAP plays a pivotal role in the workplace to address employees‟ problems such as substance abuse that negatively affects employees‟ performance and productivity. They are also aware of their role of identifying, supporting and referring employees who need help. However, more supervisory training should be conducted to capacitate and strengthen their skills and knowledge on EAP. vi The study revealed that the Department does not have an effective preventative method as well as aftercare programme to assist employees with substance abuse problem which was identified to be the most common in the workplace. It was also highlighted that EAP focus in the Department was more on HIV/AIDS related issues and counselling than other issues. Preventative programmes, such as awareness campaigns on substance abuse, alcohol educational programmes, and peer-intervention as well as aftercare programmes are not implemented. Known cases of substance abuse intervention were identified with no aftercare programme which leads to clients relapsing. It was also found out that there are challenges experienced by EAP clients, supervisors and shop-stewards while utilising the service. Some of the challenges identified were lack of resources such as shortage of staff and budget. The largest group of EAP clients prefer an off-site model as well as ninety-five (95%) of supervisors, who agree that an off-site model is the best for the Department as an in house model promotes conflict of interest and poses confidentiality risks. Nevertheless, all EAP clients maintained that the principle of confidentiality was adhered to. It was also emphasised by the respondents that an off-site model exposes clients to a pool of different professionals such as social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses etc. as compared to an in-house model where only one professional is rendering all services. From the findings it was concluded that EAP in the Limpopo Department of Public Works (LDPW) is not effective in addressing substance abuse since there are no preventative programmes as well as after-care services in place; hence the high rate of EAP clientele with substance abuse problem. However, the respondents are satisfied with the other services rendered through the EAP. For the programme to effectively address substance abuse problem it needs to be fully resourced with skilled staff and have enough budget.

Thesis (M.A. (Social Work)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022 / Social workers are working with vulnerable, marginalised and abused clients on a daily basis. Hence, Employee Assistance Programme services are vital to nurture the emotional well-being of employees. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of social workers regarding utilisation of Employee Assistance Programme services in the Greater Giyani Municipality of Limpopo Province. The objectives of the study were to determine social workers' awareness of Employee Assistance Programme services available to them and to establish factors that contribute to the utilisation of Employee Assistance Programme services. The study adopted a qualitative approach and used face-to-face interviews aided by a semi-structured interview schedule to collect data. Non-probability sampling and purposive sample technique were used to select the participants. Moreover, exploratory design was used as a blue print of the study to obtain insight about the perception of social workers of the utilisation of Employee Assistance Programme services. The researcher used thematic analysis to analyse and interpret data. The findings show that participants are not taking advantage of the available psychosocial services within the Department of Social Development. The study also found that participants had never used the EAP, despite the fact that the majority of them had felt the need to seek professional help at some point. Furthermore, participants do not believe in the credibility of the Employee Assistance Programme resulting in them not utilising the available services. Participants expressed concerns about confidentiality, a lack of office space, resources, and poor marketing. The study has concluded that social workers based at the Greater Giyani Municipality of Limpopo Province, have a negative perception regarding the use of EAP services, hence the programme is under-utilised.

Correctional officers work in a coercive environment and as such they are confronted with various challenges on a daily basis. Research found that the unique stressors that correctional officers experience result in stress which can negatively impact their physical and psychological health as well as their family life. However, limited research has been conducted to identify the stressors that are relevant to the South African correctional officer. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate South African correctional officers’ lived experiences of their work and work environment and the Employee Assistance Programme and the meaning they attached to them. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were utilised to select the 20 participants from the two correctional centres of the Department of Correctional Services in Worcester, Western Cape. The sample consisted of 11 male and 9 female correctional officers between the ages of 26 and 56 years with a mean age of 43.4. A qualitative approach was utilised to obtain in-depth insights into the lived experiences and attributed meanings of participants. Individual interviews were conducted with the participants by utilising a semi-structured interview guide. A demographic questionnaire was completed by each participant after the interview. The interviews were audio-recorded with the written permission of each participant and transcribed for analysis. Through the use of Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) 7 themes were identified namely: (a) confronting various challenges on a daily basis (b) various dimensions of correctional officers life affected (c) neglect of correctional officers’ well-being (d) coping mechanisms (e) barriers preventing corrections officers from utilising the EAP (f) a recognition of the positive value of the EAP (g) personal meaning derived from work. In addition, the themes consist of various subthemes. The findings of the study suggest that correctional officers are confronted with various challenges on a daily basis, which include lack of input into decision making, lack of support from management, lack of trust in management, pressure caused by staff shortages, lack of resources, inadequate training opportunities and a lack of promotion system. Furthermore, participants revealed that their work and work environment had a negative impact on their physical and psychological health as well as their family life. In addition, participants reported that aspects of their well-being are neglected which include a lack of interest from management in their problems, a lack of recognition and motivation from management as well as a lack of team-building opportunities. Various coping mechanisms were utilised by the participants which seems to act as a buffer against the negative effects of their stressful work and work environment. These coping mechanisms include conflict resolution and communication skills, religion, sport, positive thinking, resilience as well as family and co-worker support. A variety of barriers that prevent participants from using the EAP service that are offered at work were identified. These barriers indicated by the participants included a lack of trust in the EAP, the stigma attached to using the EAP, difficulty relating with the EAP practitioner, a negative perception of the EAP, and insufficient marketing of the EAP. Despite the barriers, participants recognised the overall positive value of the EAP service in the Department of Correctional Service. Participants appear to find meaning in their work. Some participants expressed the satisfaction that they experienced from their job while others expressed the sense of reward that they experience from their job. Recommendations for further research include the evaluation of the EAP programme to determine its effectiveness on a national level, more involvement from management in ground floor correctional officers, providing additional teambuilding oppertunities and reintroducing Wellness Days. A limitation of the study is that only a small sample of correctional officers limited to two correctional facilities in Worcester, Western Cape, was used. Therefore, the findings of the study could not be generalised to the whole population of South African correctional officers. / Psychology

The research was conducted to evaluate the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) of Sasol Nitro, Ekandustria. The researcher used questionnaires to collect information from the managers, supervisors, and employees. The information collected from all respondents indicated that the structure responsible for evaluating the EAP is not representative. The information also indicated that the EAP is appropriate and a better option to assist the employees with addressing their problems which impact on their job performance negatively. The employees are informed about the programme, while managers and supervisors are skilled on EAP procedures. The programme was utilized by the employees and this improved their job performance. The model adopted is rated poor by employees in terms of confidentiality and accessibility. Finally, it is concluded that the EAP is utilized and, therefore, the programme improved the employees’ job performance at Sasol. / Dissertation (MSW)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Social Work and Criminology / unrestricted