Developing an employee assistance programme for the University of the North West : an occupational social work study

Abstract

The goal of this study was to develop a theoretical framework for an institutional EAP. The study aimed at firstly, assessing whether an EAP was needed at the University of the North West. Secondly, ascertaining the extend of knowledge of management, academic staff, support staff and general workers regarding EAPs. Thirdly, developing a theoretical framework, according to which an EAP for management, academic staff, support and general workers can be implemented. The study was conducted at the University of the North West. It comprised of nine members of the management team, twenty- five members of the academic staff; thirty-three support staff members and forty-one general workers. The research tool used with the general workers was the interview schedule. The research tool used with the other three staff constituencies was a self-administered questionnaire. The findings revealed that all four staff constituencies felt that employees experience problems which are in general, a concern to most employees at a workplace. The four staff constituencies maintained that personal problems had a negative effect on the productivity of employees. All employees felt that an EAP should be implemented. The majority of employees stressed that confidentiality was the most important element of an EAP. Consultation with staff associations was considered to be necessary by the majority of employees. The general workers, in the main, felt that EAP practitioners should be members of the disciplinary committee. All four staff constituencies were of the opinion that employees would be willing to utilise EAP services.