Effectiveness of the employee wellness programme in supporting employees' psychosocial well-being during covid-19 pandemic and beyond in the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

Abstract

The study aimed to explore and describe employees' perceptions of whether the Employee Wellness Programme within the LDARD effectively supported their psychosocial well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. The study adopted a mixed-methods research methodology where data were collected using both quantitative and qualitative data collection tools. A quantitative survey questionnaire was administered to 58 employees, while semi-structured interviews were conducted with 4 Assistant Directors who are supervisors. The study applied a census method of sampling, whereby the agricultural advisors within LDARD Capricorn district were part of the study. The study's findings indicated that employees at LDARD perceived the Employee Wellness Programme (EWP) as ineffective in supporting their psychosocial well-being when dealing with personal and work-related challenges during the COVID-19 era and beyond. This implies that some employees did not fully understand the significance of utilising the EWP to improve their well-being and overall job performance to enhance effective service delivery. The psychological dimension of the EWP wherein therapeutic counselling is offered is not being utilised optimally due to significant concerns over the guarantee of confidentiality over their problems. Although fewer employees shared a positive outlook on the EWP, more employees may benefit from attending awareness sessions regarding the program to encourage their health-seeking behaviour and take advantage of peer support from colleagues. Furthermore, outsourcing the psychosocial therapeutic counselling services of the EWP may provide an alternative for some employees and assure their total privacy off-site the workplace. In conclusion, this study has added to the body of knowledge for entities that provides internal EWP as well as for future research, particularly in the provincial department.