Assessing employee wellness programme’s effectiveness on staff in a South African mental health facility

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of an employee wellness programme (EWP) for staff employed at a private mental health facility in South Africa. The study further sought to explore the perceived benefits of the programme for both employees and the organisation. Guided by the interpretivist paradigm, the study adopted a qualitative research approach to gain a deeper understanding of employees' perceptions and experiences regarding the implementation and impact of the EWP. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 participants, consisting of four nurses, two managers, and four administrative staff members. This method was selected for its ability to generate rich, detailed insights and to allow for follow-up questions where clarification or elaboration was needed. Thematic analysis was employed to identify and interpret emerging patterns within the data. The findings revealed that, while all participants were aware of the EWP and recognised its importance in promoting well-being, the programme was not being utilised to its full potential. Barriers such as high workloads, time constraints, limited managerial support, and the stigma associated with help-seeking behaviour were found to hinder participation. Despite these challenges, participants reported positive outcomes amongst those who had engaged with the programme, including improved stress management, emotional resilience, and awareness of mental health and wellness practices. The study concluded that, although the EWP is viewed as a valuable organisational resource, its overall effectiveness is constrained by operational barriers within the facility. Enhanced communication, stronger leadership involvement, and the integration of wellness activities into daily work routines are recommended to improve engagement and impact.