A need analysis for an employee assistance program

M.A.The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can be defined as a program sponsored by both management and labour, specifically designed to identify and assist employees as well as their families experiencing various difficulties that impair personal and occupational functioning. The Alberton Town Council as a progressive and transparent local authority has considered the welfare of its employees by identifying the need for such a program. Beforethe program can be designed, it is imperative to conduct a needs assessment so as to determine the specific needs of employees. The aim of this study is, therefore, to conduct an exploratory investigation into the needs of the Alberton Town Council employees with regard to an EAP. The objectives of the study were firstly to determine the level of social functioning of respondents by using 25 subscales of the Multi-Problem Screening Inventory. From the analysis of the data gained through this instrument, areas of concern (for example, self-esteem, depression, and relationship problems, etc.) were identified that are to be incorporated in an EAP for the organization. Secondly, an Index of Job Satisfaction was administered in order to establish the level of job satisfaction of respondents. The majority of respondents reported a clinically significant level of job dissatisfaction, which provides a baseline measurement for later evaluation of the EAP to be designed, as well as an indication of the necessity of such a program. The last objective of this study was to give clear guidelines for the development of an EAP for the Alberton Town Council, including the structure and content of such a program. An in-house model providing a comprehensive range of services is recommended and specific areas of emphasis were identified (for example, conflict management, stress management, etc.). The literature review that was embarked on for this study served as a theoretical basis for the study, as well as for the designing of an additional questionnaire. This questionnaire was designed to gather demographic information and practical details about the implementation of an EAP