Perceptions of employees regarding the utilization of the in-house employee assistance programme model in the North West department of education

Abstract

This research is aimed at investigating the perceptions of employees regarding the utilization of the in-house Employee Assistance Programme mode in the North West Department of Education. The objectives of the study were: 1. To define EAP and describe its different models through literature review; 2. To determine the extent to which employees are aware of the in-house EAP service; 3. To determine the perceptions of the employees regarding the in-house EAP model; 4. To formulate the functioning of the in-house model; and 5. To provide conclusions and recommendations. RESULTS/FINDINGS From the information gathered, the employees’ perceptions regarding the use of in-house EAP model is negative. RECOMMENDATIONS The researcher proposes the following recommendations: Management support Senior managers must support the programme and take it as one of those programmes that, when properly utilized, will assist the employer to attain its strategic goal. Marketing the programme An extensive marketing strategy has to be put in place and implemented. This must, among other things, outline the rationale, advantages, and disadvantages of the programme in general as well as an in-house EAP model in particular. This could as well motivate the reason why an in-house EAP model is a viable option for the Department.