Abstract:
The goal of the study was to evaluate the utilisation of the Employee Health and
Wellness Programme (EHWP) in the National Office of the Department of Rural
Development and Land Reform (DRDLR) with the purpose of identifying the strengths
and challenges of the EHWP and to make recommendations for improvement in line
with the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA). The objectives of the
study were achieved by: firstly, exploring the level of knowledge and awareness of
employees about the EHWP of the DRDLR, and secondly, ascertaining the employees’
perceived value of the EHWP and lastly, determining the employees’ utilisation rate of
the EHWP.
The population from which a sample was drawn consisted of the 786 DRDLR
employees who were working at the National Office in Pretoria. The population
consisted of members of senior management (51), members of middle management
(242), line managers (179), interns (96) and general employees (218). The data was
collected by means of a questionnaire which was designed for the study and
electronically analysed using figures, graphs and tables.
The results showed that employees are aware and know about the EHWP. The
utilisation rate, however, is considerably low, not tallying with the knowledge levels,
especially for those of the senior management. Significant percentages of the
respondents recommended the involvement of the EHWP when the DRDLR implements
organisational changes. More visibility and marketing of the EHWP were also alluded
to. Confidentiality and accessibility of the EHWP were rated satisfactory. A report with
recommendations on strategies to improve the utilisation of the EHWP will be submitted
to the DRDLR management for consideration and implementation.
