The role of the EAP in managing the morale of social workers in the Department of Social Development Greater Tzaneen office Limpopo Province

Abstract

This study entitled “The role of EAP in managing the morale of social workers in the Department of Social Development, Greater Tzaneen Office, Limpopo Province” was conducted by Mawisa Trezar Chauke under the supervisor Prof. Terblanche and the MSW class of 2015. The goal of this study was to explore the role of the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) in managing the morale of social workers in the Department of Social Development, Greater Tzaneen Office, Limpopo Province. A qualitative research approach was applied in this study in order to obtain exploratory data and in-depth information about social work morale. The population of this study consisted of generic social workers’, focused/ social work coordinators and social work supervisors in the Department of Social Development, Greater Tzaneen Office, Limpopo Province. The researcher applied simple random sampling to select the sample. A self-developed interview schedule was used as an instrument for collecting data in a focus group context (see annexure 3). A total of twenty one (21) participants formed part of this study. The strata consisted of seven (7) generic social workers, (8) focused/ social work coordinators and six (6) social work supervisors. Data was analysed qualitatively following the steps of data analysis as described by Shurink, Founche & De Vos. It has been discovered through empirical study that social workers morale in Greater Tzaneen office is very low. Every participant in all three focus groups (generic social workers, programme coordinators and social work supervisors) was concerned about the lack of infrastructure within the department which hinders them from offering quality services to their clients. They further alluded that the roles of supervision in Greater Tzaneen Office were not properly implemented due to lack of resources, inadequate supervisor to officer ratios, office space is not allowing for proper one-on-one supervision sessions and also low morale amongst supervisors themselves. Participants in all three focus groups further alluded that they have lost the spirit of service delivery and it’s hard to focus on clients’ problems when they have their own problems. There is an impression in the communities that “anyone can be a social worker”. The findings further reveal the loss of pride in being a social worker where participants are ashamed to be associated with the social work profession. Participants from the group of focused and generic social workers believed that EAP practitioners could lessen the strain of dealing with sensitive cases. EAP services within the DSD Limpopo are not visible and accessible to employees since they are only based in the provincial level. The EAP has a major role in uplifting the social workers’ morale by providing several services such as counselling and educating employees in several issues of concern. Participants believe that SACSSP could uplift social work morale by engaging the DSD administration to address issues of concern. They can also uplift social workers morale by showing them concern and support instead of just regulating them. The findings further reveal that SACSSP needs to monitor the department more effectively and also to assist social workers to understand SACSSP’s roles better. For social workers to be productive and effective in the workplace the DSD should provide necessary resources such as vehicles (fast-tracking the processing of subsidized vehicle), computers or laptops, cellphones, access to internet, emails, photocopiers with printers and scanners. The more conducive the working environments are, the more employees are happy to render effective services without any frustration. The DSD should improve social work salaries by considering SAQA NQF levels. This will motivate and improve their morale in rendering quality and effective services because they will be well paid. The DSD should erect their own structures which will be accessible to any client. They also need to improve the new one’s they already have. This will dignify and restore the image of social workers within the community and also increase the respect they receive from other professionals.