The effectiveness of the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) on substance abuse in the Limpopo Department of Public Works in the Sekhukhune District

Abstract

This study was undertaken in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the Employee Assistance Programme on substance abuse in the Department of Public Works. Qualitative and quantitative research approaches were applied in the study. Purposive sampling was used to select clients who were on the EAP data base due to substance abuse as well as supervisors as they have first-hand experience with employees utilising the Employee Assistance service and shop-stewards because they play significant role in the workplace in all matters affecting their members including substance abuse. Ten (10) EAP clients were interviewed using the structured interview schedule. A questionnaire was distributed amongst twenty (20) supervisors and six (6) shop-stewards. All EAP clients were males as they are mostly exposed to alcohol and drugs due to a cultural acceptance that men are allowed to drink alcohol and smoke in contrast to women. The majority of the respondents were Sepedi speaking as the study was conducted in Sekhukhune District which is dominated by the Sepedi speaking people. Some of the major findings of the study are: Most of the EAP clients with substance abuse problems had low education level which ranges between standard 3 to 9 and were mostly doing technical work which includes bricklaying, carpentry, welding, electrician work etc. Therefore this suggests that illiteracy contributes towards alcohol and drug abuse due to lack of information of the dangers of the substances. Supervisors and shop-stewards believe that the EAP plays a pivotal role in the workplace to address employees‟ problems such as substance abuse that negatively affects employees‟ performance and productivity. They are also aware of their role of identifying, supporting and referring employees who need help. However, more supervisory training should be conducted to capacitate and strengthen their skills and knowledge on EAP. vi The study revealed that the Department does not have an effective preventative method as well as aftercare programme to assist employees with substance abuse problem which was identified to be the most common in the workplace. It was also highlighted that EAP focus in the Department was more on HIV/AIDS related issues and counselling than other issues. Preventative programmes, such as awareness campaigns on substance abuse, alcohol educational programmes, and peer-intervention as well as aftercare programmes are not implemented. Known cases of substance abuse intervention were identified with no aftercare programme which leads to clients relapsing. It was also found out that there are challenges experienced by EAP clients, supervisors and shop-stewards while utilising the service. Some of the challenges identified were lack of resources such as shortage of staff and budget. The largest group of EAP clients prefer an off-site model as well as ninety-five (95%) of supervisors, who agree that an off-site model is the best for the Department as an in house model promotes conflict of interest and poses confidentiality risks. Nevertheless, all EAP clients maintained that the principle of confidentiality was adhered to. It was also emphasised by the respondents that an off-site model exposes clients to a pool of different professionals such as social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses etc. as compared to an in-house model where only one professional is rendering all services. From the findings it was concluded that EAP in the Limpopo Department of Public Works (LDPW) is not effective in addressing substance abuse since there are no preventative programmes as well as after-care services in place; hence the high rate of EAP clientele with substance abuse problem. However, the respondents are satisfied with the other services rendered through the EAP. For the programme to effectively address substance abuse problem it needs to be fully resourced with skilled staff and have enough budget.