The factors influencing supervisory referrals to the employee assistance programme in Telkom Pretoria area

Abstract

The research study investigates the factors influencing supervisory referrals in Employee Assistance Programmes. An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is a work-site based programme that assists with the dealing of the employee's problem that impacts on job performance. Supervisory referral is a necessary component and contributes to the effective operation of Employee Assistance Programmes. The study was conducted within the framework of a survey. The questionnaires were designed and distributed to supervisors who had daily contact with employees. From the result obtained it was evident that there is more than one factor that influences the supervisors to refer the troubled employees to the EAP. One factor mentioned to be important in addressing low supervisory referrals is that of a constructive confrontation strategy. Results from this study indicated that many supervisors are still uncomfortable with the constructive confrontation strategy. Further research into supervisory referrals is needed as this is considered to be the backbone of EAP utilisation. If designers of an EAP are fully aware of the factors influencing supervisors to refer the troubled employee, the EAP practitioner will be able to provide a framework clarifying the multifaceted process of supervisory intervention with problem workers.