Abstract
Abstract : Employee wellness programmes (EWPs) have generated mounting interest in employers in recent years. More employers are adopting EWPs in attempts to improve production and minimise absenteeism, as well as to demonstrate care for their employees’ overall health. Despite the recorded success of EWPs, numerous challenges affect their implementation and utilisation. Hence, this study sought to understand the perspectives and experiences of the University of Johannesburg (UJ) employees regarding the EWP at their disposal. The research method was of a qualitative nature. A qualitative methodology enabled the participants to share their experiences and perceptions on the subject without limitations. A non-probability purposive sampling was used for this study. The sample consisted of ten (10) UJ employees who had worked for their employer for a period not less than 12 months. Of the ten (10) employees, five (5) had accessed the EWP at least five months prior to the research, and the other five (5) only had knowledge of its existence. Data were collected using face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Law’s Person-Environment Occupational Model served as the research’s theoretical lens. Although the findings of the study revealed some challenges affecting the utilisation of the UJ EWP, they indicated that the programme was predominantly effective in light of its objectives. The study adds to the body of knowledge by making recommendations pertaining to practice, policy, and future research in the EWP field.
M.A. (Social Work)