Investigating the need for an EAP : a case study

Abstract

Knowledge and awareness of wellbeing and mental health have become an increasing area of concern that may affect employee performance at work and at home (Caruana, 2015). The main purpose of this study was to explore the need for an Employee Assistance Programme at Simonds Farsons Cisk plc. The company employs over 450 employees and believes in the importance of health and wellbeing at work. As part of the wellbeing strategy of the Group, the study served as a tool to detect whether employees would use an EAP if it were to be implemented. The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive research design, utilising quantitative research methods. A semi-structured questionnaire was distributed to 294 employees. The first few questions related to demographics. The other questions focused on the challenges that workers faced during 2014, which challenges influenced performance and perceived EAP usage. 167 respondents (57%) returned the filled in questionnaire. The general findings revealed that most of the respondents were male and were employed with the company for more than 10 years. Most of them were not aware of the concept EAP but were still willing to try the service if it were implemented. The preferred EAP model was that Farsons hired an external consultant to act as an EAP provider. The study revealed that employees experienced both personal and work-related challenges. The most common reported challenges were stress, financial challenges, work issues, challenges with partner and family challenges. The findings suggest that little is known about EAPs which means a lot needs to be done to increase EAP awareness, if it were implemented. It is being recommended that Farsons implements an external EAP, with the aim of helping employees with the most common reported challenges. If the programme is successful, the company may experience increased employee morale and productivity.