The experiences and perceptions of employees with regard to the employee assistance programme at Drakensberg Power Station

Abstract

This study was conducted with employees from Drakensberg Power Station, in Kwazulu Natal. Twenty-three non-supervisory employees were interviewed, and six supervisors partook in a focus group. The purpose was to gain insight into the experiences and perceptions of employees about the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), by exploring factors influencing utilisation and investigating the extent of employee awareness of the EAP, to recommend appropriate modifications to the service. Findings indicate employees are aware of the service, but unfamiliar with its purpose and functioning. They are not aware of how to access the service. The utilisation is affected by the lack of visibility of the service, the lack of awareness of family members about the services and concerns about confidentiality. It was found that supervisors were not adequately trained in the EAP and lacked the information to effectively utilise the service, thus they were reluctant to refer employees to the EAP.