Review of Public Administration and Management

Abstract

Employee Wellness Programmes and Productivity in the Workplace: The Case of the Gauteng Department of Education

Chrisen Mhangwani* and Kholiswa Malindini

Introduction: Employee absenteeism is identified as one of the reasons for the rising health costs for employers. Consequently, employers have acted proactively by sponsoring employee wellness programmes to curb the costs. Theoretically, health promotion programmes tend to reduce ill-health absenteeism, stimulate positivity, and enhance productivity.

Aim of the study: This paper sought to examine the perceptions of the Gauteng Department of Education employees towards the health promotion programme in averting ill-health absenteeism behaviour.

Materials and methods: The paper adopted a qualitative approach and qualitative survey questionnaire as a data collection technique. A purposive sampling technique was utilised to draw a sample of forty employees from the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) Head offices. The purpose was to elicit participants’ perceptions and experiences concerning the utilisation of the services offered by the GDE health promotion programme.

Results and discussion: The findings revealed that although the programme is effective to some degree, there are still implementation issues that need to be addressed. Moreover, ethics around the operations of the programme are vital, and capacity building is necessary for the programme implementors to enhance the programme effectiveness.

Conclusion: Health promotion programmes are key to curbing ill-health absenteeism and stimulating productivity; however, implementation and awareness must be improved.

Published Date: 2023-12-11; Received Date: 2023-11-10