Investigating employee perceptions of the effectiveness of stress management interventions

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to explore the perceptions of employees of the effectiveness of stress management interventions within a specific company. Motivation for the study: Stress has become part of everyday life of most employees. Studies have shown the negative effect that stress has on employee wellbeing. Stress Management Intervention (SMI) is a programme implemented by organisations focusing on the reduction of work-related stressors, as well as assisting employees to cope with and minimise the negative impact of stress. Most stress intervention programmes are reactive and are aimed at alleviating the situation. The purpose of this study is to determine the perceived measure of effectiveness of the SMI in the organization. Research design, approach, and method: A qualitative cross-sectional approach was used on a purposive sample of 12 employees from one organisation in South Africa. The sample consisted of permanent employees, aged between 25 and 64, employed by an organisation utilising a SMI programme. Main Findings: SMI in this company was evaluated as effective by the majority of participants. The participants indicated the effectiveness of the SMI in terms of personal stress management ability improvement, more effective authority management, more effective time management, improved assertiveness behaviour, meaningful personal counselling sessions, and improved personal health. It can thus be concluded that SMI in the company seems to be effective, as perceived by the participants. Practical implications: The findings of this study can inform other organisations of the importance of effective SMIs in order to alleviate stress and to equip employees with efficient skills to manage stress. This will promote a healthy workforce and increase productivity. The opposite can occur if SMIs are not implemented effectively, namely loss in productivity, increased absenteeism, and an unhealthy workforce. Contribution/value-add: This study makes a theoretical knowledge contribution to the field of SMI in the workplace, and contributes to a better understanding of the nature and importance of effective SMI programmes for organizations. Disse