The management of employee wellness programme in the Department of Roads and Transport in Gauteng

Abstract

Globally, the concept of employee wellness has taken centre stage and organisations have come to the realisation that their success is greatly influenced by the health and well-being of their employees. The study investigates the management of employee wellness programme in the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport (GDRT). The study aimed to explore the potential factors impacting the planning and management of the Employee Wellness Programme (EWP) in the GDRT with the view of developing a more comprehensive understanding of the programme, as the programme has been in the implementation phase for some time now. The research method used was qualitative. The research tool utilised was an interview schedule administered to fifteen respondents representing both management and employees within the head office of GDRT. The findings of the study indicate a lack of management participation and support in the implementation of the programme. This is mainly attributed to inadequate communication and consultation processes. The results revealed that whilst the programme is planned, employee needs for example (social and health problems) are often not factored into the process which suggests weaknesses in the consultative process. The research recommends that management has to endorse the employee wellness programme by making it part of the strategic agenda of the Department and this includes incorporating the planning and implementation of the programme into the daily operational functions of the line managers