The official's perception of EAP services in the Department of Correctional Services in the Potchefstroom Correctional Centre

Abstract

An Employee Assistance Programme is a tool any organization can use or implement to assist in the identification and treatment of the troubled employee, whilst keeping the employee motivated. Employees will get professional counselling to help them resolve personal or work-related problems which can have a dramatic impact on their work performance. This will spiral down to low productivity within any organization. It must be noted that the EAP is rendering short term counselling. This is where the focus is on identifying and clarifying the problem, where solutions will be implemented and progress be monitored. Success of the EA programme will only be visible if employees have the correct perception of service rendered, and most of all management must buy into the programme to ensure its effectiveness. A blend of qualitative and quantitative research approach was used, with a dominant quantitative approach. The information collection method used was interviewing of managers and focus groups by means of semi structured questionnaires. The respondents amounted to a total of 35 where it was reflected in the three focus groups consisting out of 10 respondents and the remaining 5 respondents were the managers of the Potchefstroom Correctional Centre. The results indicated the majority of the staff component is aware of the EAP and they think that the EAP program is making an impact in the area. Respondents also felt that the status of the EAP programme within the Department of Correctional Services must be elevated for effective use. The results also indicated that the majority of the respondents are satisfied with the programme.