Abstract
Employees’ wellbeing in the workplace remains a priority, particularly in view of mechanisation of labour and fourth industrial revolution. Employees in the mining sector remain an important factor in the attainment of production outputs for the industry. The voices of social workers providing Employee Assistance services (referred to as EAP) specifically within the mining sector has rarely been under scholarly review. This is despite the sector being one of the key drivers that catapulted the development of employee assistance programmes in South Africa due to the impact of the migrant labour system. EAP is provided as short-term modes of intervention, ranging from six to eight sessions with the goal of helping clients overcome personal and work-related problems so that they function effectively in the workplace. Employers may elect to use one of three business models within EAP, namely by providing this service in-house, by outsourcing this service, or combining the two models through the hybrid model, with the outsourced model being the preferred choice in business industry in South Africa.
This study employed a qualitative research approach to explore the experiences of EAP social workers in the mining sector in South Africa and used exploratory and descriptive research designs. Data collection was in the form of semi-structured interviews with a sample size of twelve EAP practitioners across the three models. Data was thematically analysed using content analysis. Five key themes emerged that traversed the unique mining landscape, support mechanisms to prevent burnout, types and preparations for qualifications, and challenges experienced by the practitioners. The findings revealed mixed reflections regarding the mine leaderships’ support of the programme, lack of recognition of the role of social workers, and payment rates paid to social workers affiliated with EAP companies. One of the key recommendations emanating from the study is the formation of practitioners’ networks within mining communities.