The Development of an Employee Assistance Programme for the Departtnent of Correctional Services in the Barberton A1anagement Area

Abstract

The research study was a quantitative investigation of the knowledge, attitudes and skills of the personnel in relation to the Employee Assistance Programme. The literature study was carried out on the Employee Assistance Programme. The Employee Assistance Programme \vas defined and its development traced. Futthermore its function models ..... ' ' goals and standards were discussed. The systems of which the employee forms part and the existence of problems were explored and described. The existence of problems in the Department of Correctional Services, and hmv those problems aftect the functioning ofthe individual, were also explored. The research was undertaken by means of mailed questionnaires. One group was utilized, namely the personnel of Barberton Management Area. Respondents represented all management levels. The purpose of the empirical part of the research study was to develop the Employee Assistance Programme of the Management Area, seeing that it is something new and the Department of Correctional Services has adopted an EAP policy very recently. From the findings it appeared that have a positive attitude towards the EAP. áThe staft' members do experience problems in the work place, at home and even in their communities and they are willing to seek and receive help. At present, the EAP is attending to individual problems that directly interfere \vith productivity. It also appeared from the findings that the personnel members favour the combined model of the EAP. It is important that management has a structured programme that will address the needs of the personnel. Based on results, the decentralisation of the EAP to the management areas was indicated and a structured programme needs to be implemented. A concept EAP suitable for the needs of the Department of Correctional Services in the specit!c management area was developed and recommended for implementation.