Employee wellness programmes and productivity in the Workplace: The case of the Gauteng Department of Education

Abstract

Abstract Orientation - Employee absenteeism has been 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 absenteeism, stimulate positivity, and enhance productivity. Research purpose - 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. Research Approach - The paper adopted a qualitative approach and a 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. Main findings - 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 crucial, and capacity building is necessary for the programme implementors. Policy implications – Health promotion programmes are key to curbing absenteeism and stimulating productivity; however, implementation and awareness must be improved.