A needs assessment for an employee assistance program

M.A.Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) can be defined as programs, sponsored by management and labor, that are specifically designed to identify and assist employees and their families with various difficulties that impair personal and occupational functioning. Adventist Community Services (ACS) is a welfare organization that identified the need within the organization for such a program. A needs assessment to determine the specific needs of employees and volunteers with regard to such a program is however necessary before it can be designed. The aim of this study is therefore to conduct an exploratory investigation into the needs of ACS employees and volunteers with regards 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, partner relationships, etc.)were identified that are to be incorporated in an EAP for the organization. Secondly, the 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 base line 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 ACS,. including the structure and content of such a program. An inhouse model providing a comprehensive range of services is recommended and specific areas of emphasis were identified (for example, time management and productivity, 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 used to gather demographic information and practical details about the implementation of an EAP